146 OCCASIONAL HAPPY THOUGHTS. 



Now if anything, short of going on my knees, and admit- 

 ting to Jelfer that the Chestnut is a regular tumble-down- 

 groggy affair, could tell Jelfer the true state of the case, the 

 above broad hint would be sufficient. 



But Jelfer goes blindly on. 



"He'll do, I've got my cheque-book here. And if you'll 

 lend a saddle, Til buy him, and ride home." 



I hesitate. It's my first effort at horsedealing, and I did 

 not expect this enormous success. Oughtn't I to otTer him 

 on trial? Oughtn't I to say, " My dear fellow, you'd better 

 ride him to-day, and if he suits, send me the money to- 

 morrow " ? 



No ; why should I ? 



Happy Thought. — Jelfer's old enough to take care of him- 

 self. 



" Or, ril tell you what I'll do," says Jelfer. " I'll give you 

 half the money, and swop my Grey with you— the one you 

 saw me on the other day. I don't wan't to keep t\\ o, and I 

 haven't got work enough for the old Grey. You must have 

 a horse, and it would be a bargain for you." 



Now what does this mean? I know Jelfer's horse, and 

 admire it. I have often thought that Jelfer's Grey luould 

 suit me. I shouldn't mind the exchange with the money^ 

 only it is but fair that /should ask the question : 



"' The Grey's not been down, has he ? " 



'"Been down!" he exclaims. "You couldn't throw him 

 down if you tried." 



He is so hearty, that I am satisfied. 



