186 Seventy Years a Master. 



'' Well," said the other, '' If you wish to 

 be so pig-headed, I'll take your sovereign." 



It was agreed that several of us should 

 ride round that way home, and make 

 enquiries to settle the bet. We trooped up 

 into the old gentleman's bedroom, and very 

 happy he was to see some of his comrades. 



^^ When I called to see you this morning, 

 were you reading a book ? " asked the 

 gentleman with whom the bet had been 

 made. 



**No," said old Sam, with a comical 

 shake of his head. '' I was only looking at 

 the pictures." 



On another occasion he was laid up, Sam 

 sent for his stud groom. ''Matting," said 

 he, ''That bay horse wants some exercise. 

 Take him out with the Harriers." 



Matting brought him, but the man had 

 never before been out hare-hunting. On his 

 return, his master was naturally curious to 

 hear his opinion of that sport. "What do 

 you think of hare-hunting ? " he enquired of 

 Matting. 



