42 THE LIFE OF A EACEHOKSE. 



and eyes, felt ray le^s and hoofs, and placing a hand npon my 

 heart appeared to count its pulsations. He then stepped on 

 one side, drew back the corners of his mouth, and made a 

 general survey of me from ear to heel. 



Having eaten my full allowance of corn, and " short com- 

 mons " of hay, I bent an inquiring look upon Harry Dale for 

 an additional supply of the latter, when Spanky came forward, 

 much to my chagrin, and adjusted the setting-muzzle. I must 

 confess, however, that had I not been "set" thus early, there 

 would have been a considerable decrease of litter in my box 

 before the village cock had thrown his early challenge upon the 

 breeze ; for if not a greedy feeder, I was truly a hearty one. 



Once more left to m}'' reflections, I thought much of Robert 

 Top's l?ist words on the morning of my leaving the Stud-farm, 

 and speculated upon the chance of my first attempt for honours 

 being " in " or " out." 



At an earlier hour than usual, Harry Dale threw back the 

 door of my box upon its hinges, and began preparing me for 

 the momentous event under the immediate surveillance of our 

 head-lad, who gazed between his blinkers in the copied taci- 

 turnity of his master. Sufficient water was given me just to 

 wash my mouth out, as an introduction to my common measure 

 of corn ; and I was then walked for an hour on the heath, in 

 company with my schoolmaster, the Cardinal. Upon my re- 

 turn, the customary dressing took place ; another feed of corn 

 was presented to me, but not even a lock of hay ; and after 

 finishing it I was again "set," and left to enjoy that repose so 

 necessary to our excitable temperaments. Some two hours and 

 a half afterwards, I was again visited, the muzzle removed, my 

 head racked up, and a final wisping and rubbing given to my 

 body and limbs. 



I was now ready for the saddle. 



" You'll think him much improved, Sir Digby," observed 

 John Sellusall, as he crossed the threshold of my box, followed 

 by my owner. 



"Egad!" exclaimed Sir Digby, with a crimson flush sud- 

 denly spreading over his pale, lined, and handsome countenance. 



