A MORNING'S EXERCISE 25 



keeping sound would easily do the work, and re- 

 minded him that I had five, not counting the little 

 mare that old Batters called the *^ Powney," and 

 which had never been known to tire or fall. Then 

 came a feeler. 



" My mare is going awfully nicely with Jack (second 

 horseman) just now ; she'll make a clinking hunter." 



'' I thought she was that already," said I. 



Then after a pause, as if speaking to himself: " I've 

 a mind to do a swop with Jack Elliot ; he's half a 

 stone lighter than I am, and his mare, though not 

 so fast as mine, is up to a stone more weight ; " and 

 continued, ^^ I think you'd like her if you once rode 

 her, and I'm only asking a tenner more than I paid 

 for her." 



To which I answered, " No, no. Bill, I don't buy 

 unmade ones, and never one made or unmade from a 

 pal. Swop with Jack Elliot if you like, but don't try 

 to shunt her on to me." 



Next morning he said, after our return from exer- 

 cise, " I say, old man, I'm awfully glad you didn't buy 

 my mare off me last night," than which nothing had 

 been more remote from my intention. 



This abortive deal partly but not wholly prepared 

 me for Jack Elliot's question a few days later. 



"Are you really trying to buy Bill Kerr's mare?" 

 I looked encouragingly at him, and he went on. 

 " For if you are, I'll stand out till the deal is done or 

 off. He says you are awfully sweet on her." 



I was petrified to hear this, though I managed to 

 conceal my amazement, and more than amused when 

 it came round to me later that the young ruffian had 

 added, " She takes a little bit of riding, and between 



