90 A MOUNT IN EXCHANGE. 



there's none about here to tell tales, since that 

 pesky cuss Charlie is snug in his roost ; not even a 

 dog-bark is to be feared, for my pets wouldn't 

 bay one who had so often been good to them, and 

 thus tell the neighbours that a stranger is about. 



' " Old fellow, you stood by me once, you must do 

 so again ; my horse is in the woods by the tobacco- 

 barn, he's clean give out ; no wonder, for he has done 

 a smart day's work : still, but for a sand-crack, I 'd 

 have made him do the rest. He 's well bred, and he 's 

 kind as he 's game ; there 's no better in the States, 

 and he TL suit you to a dot. Well, he 's yours, but I 

 want a mount in exchange. I can't go on foot, so 

 1 11 just take your old mare Fanny ; she han't got 

 much longer to live anyhow, and she can go the pace 

 when she warms up." 



' Without demurral I acceded to his wish. Fanny 

 was of little use, for from age and work she had 

 become so groggy in front, that it took all the 

 rider's attention to keep her on her pins, yet when 

 well warmed she could go the pace, and jump or 

 clamber over any ordinary kind of fence : whether 

 or not she retained her legs on lighting was quite 

 another question. Still I was fond of the little mare, 

 for she had earned me well in many a hard day's 

 work, and as my friend rose to bid adieu I spoke a 

 kindly word in her behalf. 



' Without considering the risk I was already 

 running, I was about to accompany him to the stable ; 

 but Boyle refused to permit me. He had left his 



