A BAD MATCH. 189 



his partner, then plunged, then came 

 back on the bars with his hocks, then 

 fought with his forefeet, shaking his head, 

 and playing all sorts of tricks except kicking. 

 It was fortunate I had a gentleman on the 

 box who knew something about horses, and 

 had confidence in my judgment. Presently 

 the animal set his forefeet out, fixed his 

 jaws, put his ears back, and remained mo- 

 tionless, saying as plainly as such actions 

 will speak, " I won't go." 



"What do you mean to do now, Mr. 



? " said my companion. 



The horse-keeper was about to hit him 

 with a stick out of the hedge. 



" Let him alone," cried I. 



With my wheel-horses both well poled 

 and curbed up, so that I had full command 

 of the coach as well as of them and the near 

 leader, a powerful and very quick horse, I 

 sat patiently, with my eyes fixed on my 

 new acquaintance. He remained in the 

 position I have described some two or 



