108 BIIX HOOD 



way I heard them talk about them when they sighted 

 a stylish one. After stepping around the ring two or 

 three times, I do not remember now which, but it does 

 not make any difference, the young man pulled up 

 short, and tipping his hat to the spectators, said, 'Gen- 

 tlemen, how do you like him ?' As he stood the horse 

 did not appear to like the curb bit and kept champing 

 it, while his arched neck, with the foam flecks down 

 the front of it, gave him a showy look. Every foot 

 was in its place as he stood there, the admired of all, 

 and it was not long before someone asked if he was 

 for sale. 



" 'Why, what would I have him here for if he were 

 not for sale or trade,' smiled the young man ; but not 

 one in ten of those who were looking at him supposed 

 he meant it, while the middle-aged man also smiled 

 and bowed with the politeness of a dancing master. 



" 'What do you ask for him?' whispered a big man 

 in a snuff-colored suit, as he leaned over the wheel. 



" 'How much will you give?' asked the young man, 

 while a smile like sunshine continued to spread over 

 the bland countenance of his companion. 



" 'How old is he?' asked another. 



" 'Look in his mouth and satisfy yourself,' said the 

 young man. And so it went on. He would not name 

 a price and no one would make a bid. Finally a big 

 man in snuff-colored clothes whispered something 

 in the young man's ear. He shook his head and acted 

 as as though he were going to drive off. 



"At this point a round-faced man wearing a checked 

 suit of unmistakeable English pattern and cut, 

 elbowed his way into the ring, and after taking a look 

 at the horse said, 'Young man, hif you will drive down 

 to the hinn hi will buy that 'orse.' 



