148 FOX-HOUND, FOREST, AND PRAIRIE. 



man and occupy the saddle himself. "Bitters" (the sub- 

 ordinate) had for years been accustomed to mount whatever 

 brute was forthcoming at his master's signal, with wonderful 

 adroitness to make-believe he was exhibiting a pet lamb, and, 

 without hesitation, to cram the said lamb at any dangerous 

 leap that might offer itself to the fancy of either seller or buyer. 

 But, as years went on, it became noticeable that Bitters's erst 

 ruddy countenance was gradually losing much of its fresh and 

 wholesome colouring. By slow, but sure, degrees, the bright 

 complexion became bleached and pallid ; while the once keen, 

 sparkling eye assumed an unbecoming fishiness. Bitters, in 

 fact, was beginning his day too early in the morning, and 

 lengthening it too far into the night. And, with this un- 

 pleasant change of countenance came a still sadder alteration of 

 temperament and soul. Bitters no longer jumped eagerly to 

 the saddle the moment occasion offered for trying conclusions 

 with a rogue worthy of his steel ; still less did he display 

 alacrity in forcing a half-taught colt to acquit himself as became 

 a finished hunter, no matter what the suggested test might be. 

 In other words, for instance, a greasy stile had no longer the 

 same enticing charms for Bitters, nor was he now wont to offer 

 of his own free will a tall, strong gate as a mere after-breakfast 

 relish to a green four-year-old. He rode what he was obliged, 

 and hitherto he had jumped where he was ordered. But 

 suspicion had long ago entered the unwilling breast of his fond 

 employer, and one day matters came to a crisis. " Take him 

 across the drop-fence, Bitters, and bring him back over the 

 timber in the corner" (the timber in question consisting of four 

 stout new rails, and the young horse's shoulders being withal 

 of the most questionable type) . Bitters (without doubt not 

 such a fool as he looked) affected to hear only the first part 

 of the directions ; took the drop -fence leisurely, and galloped 

 back over an easy stake-and-bound. " Put him over the post- 

 and- rails," repeated the master, with some acerbity. But 

 still Bitters lingered, and assumed that most convenient of all 

 protectors, a stubborn deafness. Once more did his com 



