The Trotter. 143 



high wheels and straight shafts, the corduroy-covered driving cushion 

 nearly level with the rail, was standing at the door without a horse; 

 and I walked straight into the little parlour, where Sam West and 

 his friend Captain Morris sat discussing a large dish of eggs and 

 bacon. 



Nothing could be more polite than the manner in which Mr. 

 West greeted me. He apologized for thus troubling me, but said, 

 as he had just learnt that it was I who had ridden by his side the 

 night before, he had a great curiosity to see my mare, and hoped it 

 would not be asking too much if he begged me to show her to 

 him. 



I now saw that the plot was thickening, and that the time would 

 soon come when all secrecy must be laid aside. I therefore cheer- 

 fully complied with his request, and took him to my stables to show 

 him the mare. 



Keen was the scrutiny to which Patty Morgan was subjected on 

 that morning ; and, although he said but little, I could see that Mr. 

 West regarded her with more interest than he cared to show. He 

 merely asked if she was for sale, and, when I answered "No," left 

 the stable. He recognised his old helper, and, as he tossed him a 

 half-crown, observed to me, " You've got one of the best men in 

 the county there, if you can only keep him sober." 



We went in and had a glass of sherry, and he gave me a most 

 cordial invitation to come over to the Grange, and take pot luck 

 with him any day I had nothing better to do. 



About a fortnight after this, the following conversation took place 

 between Jem and myself: 



" I think I shall ride over and see Mr. West to-day, Jem." 



" Do you, sir ? Well, mind what you're about, that's all. You 

 know I've lived there, and am up to all their tricks." 



" I'll take care ; so just put the saddle on the new mare, and 

 bring her round in twenty minutes." 



" Not if I know it, sir," answered the fellow. 



I looked at him in blank astonishment. " What do you mean by 

 that?" I asked. 



