My First Steeple chaser, '6\ 



and the horse that was to win the Liverpool in a canter Ix^came 

 mine, at the nominal price (according to the seller's idea) of 23/, 



In this instance there was a little more chaff than usual, for 

 every strapper and horse-keeper in the stable (which, perhaps, 

 turned out some sixty coach-horses in the day) seemed to be 

 particularly interested in this bargain, and everyone had some 

 remarks to make on my new purchase. I am sorry to say 

 that these remarks in general, direc'-ly the bargain was closed 

 (for, of course, no one opened before) were anything but compli- 

 mentary to old " Dot-and-Go-One," as the horse had been facetiously 

 christened in this stable j and one ugly old fellow, who answered to 

 the characteristic name of '' Ginger," and who was evidently the 

 wit of the stable, was particularly annoying. '' So you've bought 

 our steeple-chase boss, have you, sir ? well, he's a rare bred 'un — 

 got by Golumpus, dam by Highflyer, I should say, for he's quite old 

 enough. You'll want a stud-groom, sir, when he goes down to 

 Liverpool : better take me along with him." This was a specimen 

 of the badinage in which he indulged, as soon as the coachman had 

 bustled away to see after his way-bill. And, as I left the stable, I 

 just caught his last remark — '^ Ah, he looks like a steeple-chaser, he 

 do ! Should not wonder if that swell means to ride him hisself 3" 

 which was the signal for a hearty guffaw from the assembled 

 strappers. 



However, old Dot-and-Go-One had now become my property 3 

 and as I went towards the bar to look after the coachman and 

 settle for my new purchase, I walked with a dignity befitting the 

 owner of the winner of the Liverpool in prospective. After I had 

 paid for him, I was determined that he should never again look 

 through a collar in my possession, so 1 bargained with the landlord 

 to keep him till I returned 3 and I deemed it prudent to make 

 friends with old " Ginger" before I left, as most probably he w^ould 

 have charge of the horse during my absence. This was very soon 

 effected by the gift of a gallon of ale, and the promise of half-a- 

 crown more when I returned, if I found the horse well cared for. 

 The man now became very civil, but he could not altogether drop 



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