216 



the whole cortege gazing with amazement. They 

 would not let him off' so cheaply. 



" Ten guineas bid ! she is worth fifty to any 

 man ; warranted sound, and quiet to drive ! Run 

 her down, Bill." 



Ere she had returned to the stand, the auctioneer 

 had raised the biddings to fifteen. 



" Sound, and quiet in harness ; going for fifteen : 

 I'd give forty myself. She's the best horse I've 

 sold to day : warranted sound and quiet — run her 

 down once more^ Bill." 



Bill laid the whip on well ; the knowing ones 

 helped him, and the mare returned in style : a little 



more, and her head would have tried its solidity 

 with the auctioneer's. 



