50 



" Close by ; but I hope Fve got rid of him by 

 this time ; I told the ostler to sell him for what 

 he would fetch." 



" Never mind ; I'll take my chance of finding 

 him." 



And away we went. On reaching the stables, 

 we found the horse was sold and paid for ; he had 

 fetched five-and-twenty pounds, and was to be 

 taken away the next morning. For curiosity's 

 sake I begged to see him, and he was led out as 

 lame as a duck. 



^* Why, Tom," I exclaimed, "have you had him 

 new shod since yesterday ?" 



" Yes, to be sure ; he had scarcely a shoe to his 

 feet." 



I sent for the farrier, and with permission, had 

 the shoe removed from^ the near fore foot, and 

 then replaced. 



" Now try him on the stones." 



He went as soundly as the day he was foaled.. 

 One of the nails had been driven a trifle too far, 

 and had touched the quick. I dare say that for 

 some days the foot remained tender, but my friend 

 Tom bought a little experience, though somewhat 

 dearly, for five-and-twenty pounds. 



I have observed that dealers themselves are not 

 alwavs familiar with their horses' defects. I onces 



