HORSE DEALING. 253 



the celebrated library and theatre, and 

 other buildings ; so that I could but 

 contrast the place with the dull, low, 

 uninviting spot in which I was lately 

 condemned to spend my vacant hours; 

 and congratulate myself on the change. 



My employer, knowing that Oxford was 

 a place where harness-horses were some- 

 times to be picked up on more reason- 

 able terms than in London, had commis- 

 sioned me to look out and, as occasion 

 might offer, purchase some for him. This 

 I had done much to his satisfaction. One 

 afternoon a tout, or man who was a sort 

 of horse-dealer's cad, came and told me, 

 as a great favour, of a horse that was to 

 be disposed of for a little money. I went 

 with him, and was shown a very useful 

 coach horse. I asked to see him out. 

 This was complied with, and, running my 

 eye over him, and approving his action, 

 I said, "Sound?" 



