44 WHIP AND SPUR. 



There stood the new purchase, — a picture of 

 the most abject misery ; his hind legs drawn 

 under him ; the immense muscles of his hips 

 lying flabby, like a cart-horse's ; his head hang- 

 ing to the level of his knees, and his under-lip 

 drooping ; his eyes half shut, and his long ears 

 falling out sidewise like a sleepy mule's. I had 

 bought him for a safe price, and he would prob- 

 ably do to cany Ike and the saddle-bags ; but 

 I felt as far as ever from a mount for myself, 

 and went back to my tent wiser and no hap- 

 pier than before. 



Presently Ike appeared with the coffee, and 

 asked how I liked the new horse. 



"Not at all." 



"Don't ye? well now, I reckon he 's a consid'- 

 able of a boss." 



I sent him to look at him again, and he came 

 back with a very thoughtful air, — evidently he 

 had been impressed. At last he said, " Well now, 

 Colonel, I don't reckon you bought that hoss to 

 look at him on the picket-line, did ye?" 



"No, Ike, or he should be sold out very 



