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the thong suits them, there is nothing like them for 

 punishing when it is wanted." 



Jack Webber. " I like your pads much. They are well 

 stuffed, so as to cause no pressure on the back-bone, which 

 sets a horse wrong." 



Sir John. " Exactly so ; there is a strong sympathetic 

 feeling between the back-bone and the withers, and when 

 a horse is pinched by his pad, his patience is often ex- 

 hausted, and he makes an attempt to relieve himself. 

 Being galled in the shoulder is a trifle to a pinch on the 

 back or withers ; and no doubt many a cockney's gig has 

 been kicked to pieces from this cause, of which they have 

 not been in the least conscious. I once had a proof of it. 

 I drove a horse fourteen miles in a gig ; and just as he 

 was entering on the fifteenth without the least provoca- 

 tion that I could discern without a whip, rein, or even a 

 fly touching him, he began to mill, and to use a coaching 

 phrase a sack was wanted to bring home the gig. I 

 luckily escaped, but my servant was a good deal hurt ; 

 and I found out that the cause of the disaster was the pad 

 pressing on the back-bone, which was becoming very much 

 inflamed." 



Frank Raby. " Well, I think we have seen all we can 

 see for the present ; and as the dressing-bell has rung, we 

 had better walk towards the house. I never keep dinner 

 waiting if I can avoid it, for it is unfair towards the cook ; 

 let us then " 



Jack Webber. " One moment longer ! Just let me look 

 into your tool-box a most necessary thing to keep the 

 drag moving. I should have been hung up many times 

 on those Brighton South Downs, but for mine. Let me 

 see. Here is the screw-wrench ; wheel and spring clips ; 

 two spring shackels, with bolts and nuts ; two chains one 

 for a trace, when wanting, and the other shorter, with a ring 

 at one end, and a hook at the other, in case of a tug giving 

 way ; but where is the little strap, with, two buckles ? " 



Frank Raby. " The little strap with two buckles ; I 

 know not what you mean?" 



Jack Webber. "Then you know not a very useful 

 appendage to the tool-box, inasmuch as, should any part 

 of the reins, or indeed most parts of the harness, give way, 

 it comes into use in a moment. I always carried two of 

 them in my pocket, one somewhat broader and stronger 

 than the other." 



18 



