STABLE SERVANTS AND MASTERS. 413 



meeting his master in the yard or stable for the first time in 

 the day, or on passing him or speaking to him outside, the 

 servant is supposed to touch his cap or hat, which he does 

 with the forefinger of the right hand. On receiving an order 

 from his master, he should touch his cap and say : " Yes, Sir," 

 " Very good, Sir," or words to that effect, so as to show that 

 he understands what is required of him. If he fails to grasp 

 his master's meaning, he should ask for an explanation in a 

 brief and respectful manner. Some ignorant servants, whose 

 presence would not be tolerated for a moment in a first 

 class establishment, have the provoking habit of receiving 

 orders in silence, in which case the master is left in a state of 

 uncertainty as to his directions being comprehended or not. 



