A BC OF THE HORSE 63 



do not often accomplish their purpose. 

 They are for the most part attempted 

 at fairs, where the vendor relies for 

 safety on the innocence of the pur- 

 chaser, and upon his own capacity to 

 make a speedy departure before the 

 fraud is discovered. Needless to say, 

 if attempted and discovered, the seller 

 can promptly receive the attention of 

 the police. It is only fair to the 

 repositories, where so much business is 

 done nowadays, to say that these frauds 

 are but seldom attempted there, for if 

 the auctioneer had his suspicions aroused, 

 he would, for his own reputation's sake 

 promptly inquire into the matter. 



