42 THE HUNTING-FIELD. 



By this time I had recognised my friend and 

 quondam pupil in road-riding. After the usual 

 salutations, I complimented him on his seat, and 

 admired his horse. 



" I see," said my friend, laughing, " you begin 

 with me in your usual way as a preliminary 

 step." 



'' And pray," said I, " what may that be ? " 



" Why,'' said he, " to use stable phrase, you 

 mpe me down with a soft duster." 



"Where," said I, bowing, "I see so little 

 superfluity to be removed, a cambric handkerchief 

 even would suffice." 



"And that handkerchief, to carry on the meta- 

 phor," said my friend, " you have scented pretty 

 highly for my use : but I know, in the progress 

 of my dressing, I shall get the currycomb con 

 amove. So, to begin, how do you like my 

 horse ? " 



" He is very handsome," said I, " and goes 

 well." 



" Is he well bred enough for a hunter ? " 



" Quite," I replied. 



" How as to size ?" said my friend. 



" Precisely the size I should select," said I. 



" Strong enough ?" inquired he. 



"Quite up to thirteen stone," said I; "and 

 you do not ride more than twelve." 



