BRITISH TURF. 59 



he had reared in his tent and in the bosom of his 

 family, to what he supposed the unkind treat- 

 ment of strangers. 



Sir John Malcolm relates two anecdotes to 

 the same purpose, but of a more amusing na- 

 ture. 



'* When the British envoy, returning from 

 his former mission, was encamped near Bagdad, 

 an Arab rode a bright bay mare of extraordinary 

 shape and beauty before his tent, until he at- 

 tracted his attention. On being asked if he 

 would sell her, ' what will you give me V was 

 the reply. ' That depends upon her age ; I 

 suppose she is five off?' * Guess again,' said 

 he. 'Four?' * Look at her mouth,' said 

 the Arab, with a smile. On examination she 

 was found to be rising three. This, from her 

 size and symmetry, greatly enhanced her value. 

 The envoy said, ' I will give you fifty tomans 

 (a coin nearly of the value of a pound sterling). 



* A little more, if you please,' said the fellow, 

 apparently entertained. ' Eighty.' ' A hun- 

 dred.' He shook his head and smiled. The 

 offer at last came to two hundred tomans. 



• Well,' said the Arab, you need not tempt me 

 further ; it is of no use ; you are a rich elchee 

 (nobleman). You have fine horses, camels, and 



