ABOUT BUYING A HORSE. 79 



sented him with an idea, of Avhich he can make what use he 

 pleases. On it he might build up a Theory, on the Theory 

 a Practice ; then call at the Zoological Gardens, mention 

 Giraffes and apoplexy before a Committee Meeting, and be 

 elected Special Surgeon and Medical Attendant-in- Chief to 

 the Zoological Collection. Then there would be an addi- 

 tional attraction besides " Feeding Time," which might be 

 (well advertised) " Medicine Time." 



However, the point now is to talk about Clumber and his 

 horse before we get to Clumber's. 



" Clumber's honest and straightforward," says Trott ; 

 "I've never heard anything against him." He admits so 

 much, as though there might be something, not to Clumber's 

 advantage, which had not, as yet, reached his (Trott's) ears. 

 " But," continues Mr. Trott, " when it's about a horse I 

 wouldn't trust my own father." 



" That's why I called you in," I say, complimenting IMr. 

 Trott's professional skill and my own cleverness. Connect- 

 ing my answer with Trott's previous observation, I am aware 

 that I seem to represent Clumber as my father, or something 

 like it. 



" You're quite right, Sir," says Trott. "What does he w^ant 

 for it ?" 



" Forty, I think— at least, judging from what Mr. Spoker 

 said." 



" Um ! " says Mr. Trott. " If he's a good 'un, at that 

 price it's a bargain. If he ain't, there must be something 

 precious queer about him, and it 'ud be a dead loss of the 

 money, besides danger to life and limb." 



