ABOUT BUYING A HORSE 115 



" Well," I say, coming straight to business, "let me have 

 a week's trial." 



Jarvis shakes his head. 



" No, Sir," he returns, emphatically, " if he ain't sold by 

 to-morrow, — I've had another offer for him, but I'd rathe^ 

 see him placed where I know he'll be well cared for " — here 

 my Aunt gives the beast an apple, while Doddridge goes for 

 some sugar, — between them they seem bent on turning the 

 cob into a dumpling — or do they imagine that this will be his 

 staple food to be included in the weekly groceries ? — " if he 

 ain't sold by to-morrow," Jarvis continues, " I shall put him 

 into a sale, and take what he'll fetch. I can't afford to keep 

 him any longer." 



Happy Thought. — I might buy him for half the money at 

 the sale. 



" I wouldn't mind," I observe, deliberately, " giving 

 thirty "— 



'' Can't do it, Sir," says Jarvis, taking hold of the bridle 

 with a determxined air, and preparing to mount the cob and 

 ride off. " Can't do it. Such a noffer's absurd, ridiklus. 

 No," says he, pausing before putting his foot in the stirrup. 

 " I'd take fifty. Why, he cost me forty-five guineas." 



Happy Thotcght. — "Well, and what a lot you've taken out 

 of him ! " I say. 



" Taken out of him ! " exclaims Jarvis. " Not a bit. He's 

 improved twenty pounds worth since I had him. I only part 

 with him because I want a bigger animal, and can't keep two. 



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