Tom and Penelope. 73 



Moreover, a hunter requires many weeks to be 

 got into fine condition, and can then perform well 

 not exceeding half a dozen days a month, and 

 needs a long rest after the season. And it is not 

 the average man who is happy enough to own a 

 stable so full or to boast such ample leisure as to 

 tax his horseflesh to so very slight an extent. 



XXL 



But what is that, Patroclus? Up goes your 

 head, your lively ears pricked out, with an inquis- 

 itive low-voiced whinny. What is it you sniff 

 upon the softly-moving air.? Well, well, I know. 

 That neigh and again a neigh betrays you. As 

 sure as fate it is one of your stable-mates coming 

 along the road. Perhaps our young friend Tom, 

 upon his new purchase, Penelope. We will go 

 and see, at all events. I never found you wrong, 

 and I never knew your delicate nose to fail to 

 sniff a friend before the eye could catch him, or 

 your pleasant whinny fail to speak what you had 

 guessed as well. Sure enough, there he comes 

 and Nell has heard you too. Both Tom and 

 she are out for the lesson which either gives the 

 other. Now for a sociable tramp and chat in the 

 company you like so well. And you and I will 

 try to give Penelope and Master Tom a few hints 

 which he has often asked, and of which all young 

 horses and riders are apt to stand in need. 



