232 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER 



himself with the comfortable reflection that, at least, 

 he had learnt his horse's value, and had not been 

 taken in by the dealer. 



' " By your leave — make way there — stand aside^ 

 gen'l'm'n," and two or three rough salutations of 

 sticks, whips, and voices warned him of the rapid 

 approach of the next lot. The learned counsel 

 awoke from his reverie — rubbed his eyes — adjusted 

 his glasses — gaped, and stared, and gaped again at 

 the new-comer with petrifying suspicion. He turned 

 with fumbling agitation to his pocket-book, and 

 found that, mistaking the lot, he had puffed and 

 purchased his neighbour's horse ! 



' Having two worthless animals thus unexpectedly 

 thrown upon his hands, he ventured no more on 

 puffing, but allowed his own to go at its just price,, 

 which proved exactly enough to buy him a new wig 

 for the circuit.' ^ 



If the barrister had been as learned in the rigs, 

 of the horse -mart as he doubtless was in the law, 

 he would probably not have made such a mistake* 

 However, if he is still alive he may console himself 

 with the reflection, that many others have made 

 equally grave mistakes. The following storj^ shows, 

 that dealers do not alwavs make the best market. 

 ' I remember some years ago, one charming morn- 

 ing, we met at a favourite cover in the best part of 



' Stephens — Adventures of a Gentleman in Search of a Horse. 



