THE HAUGHTYSHIRE HUNT. 23 



on the beggar's back, and show off his paces, eh ? " And not 

 waiting for assent, Mr. Jack Dash wood signed to the attendant 

 groom to keep his charge still whilst he got into the saddle. 



Now, to do him justice, Mr. Jack could ride ' above a bit,' 

 and as he drew the reins through the fingers of his left hand, 

 and felt his horse gently with his heel, instinct told him that 

 he was on a good one. After trotting him slowly up the path, 

 he turned to the groom and asked — 



MAEMION, BY CAPULET. 



"Would Mr. Crocker let me lark him over a fence or two, 

 do you think? " 



The groom touched his hat, as he promptly replied — 



" Certainly, sir. The master said as 'ow nothing Mr. 

 Binkie could ride him over would do the 'orse any 'arm." 



Whereat Mr. Dashwood grinned slyly at Sir Tommy, and 

 Sir Tommy ' winked the other eye ' at Mr. Dashwood ; but the 

 point of the observation, fortunately for Mr. Binkie's vanity, 

 was not understood by that young gentleman. 



