86 THE HAUGHTYSHIRE HUNT. 



and chance it," and he nodded to the ' man in the box,' who 

 promptly acknowledged the bid by calling out — 



" Twenty-one guineas is offered." 



"Yes," said the neighbour of the last bidder, " Eonald 

 Dennison knows a good animal, as you say, but don't forget 

 that Ronald Dennison is one of the finest horsemen in 

 England, and has a slender pocket. Eonny would ride 

 the devil — horns, tail and all, if he could get him for a 

 pony ! " 



"That's true," was the answer, "and I'm d — d if he 

 wouldn't get the old gentleman over a big country all the 

 hunting season, and then probably pick up a good steeple- 

 chase with him in the Spring ! " 



" At twenty-four guineas only, going — last time at twenty- 

 four " and down came the little hammer with a slam that 



made pleasant music in Mr. Dennison's ears, for Marmion 

 by Capulet was his. 



Poor Mr. Binkie was not at all pleased. When the 

 auctioneer's last cry of "twenty-four guineas" was heard 

 he plaintively exclaimed — 



" Oh, really ! but I say, you know, that chap said he'd give 

 me fifty for the horse, and — just wait here a minute " (this 

 to Miss Turnover). " I'm going down to speak to the people 

 inside, you know ; I'll be back in a minute," and Travers 

 waddled downstairs, crossed the yard, and went towards the 

 office. Here, just at the entrance, he met Mr. Eonald 

 Dennison, and at once accosted him — 



" I say, you know, you said you'd give fifty for the horse, 

 you know ; and now you've bought him for twenty-four, 

 you know." 



