288 HORSE DEALING. 



at my stables for his inspection and 

 trial. 



He came accordingly I had the horses 

 put to, and drove them with him some 

 two or three miles ; then gave him the 

 reins, and requested he would drive them 

 himself. He said he was quite satisfied, 

 and would have them ; he would, with 

 my permission, take up his servant, who 

 he had brought with him, and drive 

 them for another half-hour. So he did, 

 and on his return I asked him to stop 

 dinner, as the boat did not start for 

 Hyde till seven in the evening. 



Now, my father happening to be at 

 Northampton, and knowing my penchant 

 for things a little in the superlative de- 

 gree, in gastronomy above all other 

 arts, had sent me a prime saddle of 

 Leicester mutton ; and I had invited the 

 friend I have so often spoken of, and 

 two others as fond of a good dinner as 

 ourselves, to partake of it. 



