BREAKING THE NEWS. Ill 



I don't like to see that one leave the neighborhood, as 

 I have owned him at least a dozen times and he is a 

 rare good one.' 



In a short time the Englishman with the double 

 whiffletree pin in his tie elbowed his way into the 

 group and saluted Bill Hood with a nod, as he told 

 him he had traded off the gelding. 



" 'You should not have done it,' said Bill. 



" 'Why not?' asked the Englishman. 

 ' 'Because he is a better horse than the one you let 

 me have,' said Bill, as he shortened the reins and pre- 

 pared to drive off. 



" 'What did you do with 'im ?' asked the English- 

 man with a half smile, in which more than one of the 

 bystanders joined. 



' 'Let you have him back again,' said Bill with a 

 drawl, as he gave the gray a cut with the whip and 

 started down the street on a gallop." 



