My First Steeple chaser. 81 



and the horse that was to win the Liverpool in a canter became 

 mine, at the nominal price (according to the seller's idea) of 23 /. 



In this instance there was a little more chaff than usual, for 

 every strapper and horse-keeper in the stable (which, perhaps, 

 turned out some sixty coach-horses in the day) seemed to be 

 particularly interested in this bargain, and everyone had some 

 remarks to make on my new purchase. I am sorry to say 

 that these remarks in general, directly the bargain was closed 

 (for, of course, no one opened before) were anything but compli- 

 mentary to old " Dot-and-Go-One," as the horse had been facetiously 

 christened in this stable ; and one ugly old fellow, who answered to 

 the characteristic name of " Ginger," and who was evidently the 

 wit of the stable, was particularly annoying. " So you've bought 

 our steeple-chase hoss, have you, sir ? well, he's a rare bred 'un 

 got by Golumpus, dam by Highflyer, I should say, for he's quite old 

 enough. You'll want a stud-groom, sir, when he goes down to 

 Liverpool : better take me along with him." This was a specimen 

 of the badinage in which he indulged, as soon as the coachman had 

 bustled away to see after his way-bill. And, as I left the stable, I 

 just caught his last remark "Ah, he looks like a steeple-chase^ he 

 do ! Should not wonder if that swell means to ride him hisself 3" 

 which was the signal for a hearty guffaw from the assembled 

 strappers. 



However, old Dot-and-Go-One had now become my property ; 

 and as I went towards the bar to look after the coachman and 

 settle for my new purchase, I walked with a dignity befitting the 

 owner of the winner of the Liverpool in prospective. After I had 

 paid for him, I was determined that he should never again look 

 through a collar in my possession, so 1 bargained with the landlord 

 to keep him till I returned ; and I deemed it prudent to make 

 friends with old " Ginger" before I left, as most probably he would 

 have charge of the horse during my absence. This was very soon 

 effected by the gift of a gallon of ale, and the promise of half-a- 

 crown more when I returned, if I found the horse well cared for. 

 The man now became very civil, but he could not altogether drop 



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