30 



THE HAUGHTYSHIRE HUNT. 



far to seek, though an explanation is certainly due. All the 

 beasts in question were taken from Watson, on the hire system, 

 and being rare old stagers, warranted not to go fast enough 

 to make themselves warm, were not for sale even by the real 

 owner. Such animals, though not, as a rule, worth five-and- 

 twenty pounds apiece, are invaluable for the purpose of the 

 lessors of hack hunters. It is very hard for the most reckless 

 of equestrians to override them : the horses themselves so 

 greatly object to the process. 



As soon as their host was out of sight and hearing, Sir 

 Tommy casually observed to -Tack — 



" What are you nicking out of this '? " 



The other stared vacantly at him, as though he had not 

 understood. 



"Nicking? I don't understand you," he said in reply. 



" Oh yes, you do ! How much was the commission ? " 



"There was none. Didn't you hear me say that I bought 

 the horse " 



" And paid forhini/eh? Where'd you get the money to 

 pay for him? " 



" Eeally, I don't see what that has to do with you." 



"Well, I do. Come, chuck it. Jack, what's the good of 

 playing innocent like this ? I'm going to have my corner in 

 the profits, so don't make any mistake about that. How 

 much did you make on it, now ? " 



"Only a miserable tenner," answered Jack sulkily. 



" That cock won't fight. Well, I shall just ride over to 

 Weeds Hall this afternoon, and see Crocker, if you won't tell 

 the truth. It won't take me long to find out the game. But 

 if you take my advice, you'll own up, and shell out." 



