THE GFAKANTEE. 43 



dealer from whom he purchased another pair ; and so 

 the unprincipled servants got their fee. One of them 

 got drunk, and told all this to one of my stable-men, in 

 confidence, and I bought them from the dealer to whom 

 they were sold, as being unsound ; but my belief is 

 that, with good treatment, they will be as sound as a 

 bell of brass* in a very short time." 



" But where can I get a groom who will be honest 

 to me, and who would properly understand the treat- 

 ment of these horses if I were to buy them ?" 



" If you do buy them, sir, they will do you good, 

 and (for my own sake) I will guarantee to recommend 

 you a groom who shall be all you require, for I happen 

 to know one who perfectly understands his business, 

 and it is lucky, T expect him here every minute." 



" Well, on those conditions, I will take the horses, 

 provided we can agree as to price. Let me see, I think 

 you said 150 guineas for the pair in your advertisement ; 

 I suppose you mean 140?" this was said good-hu- 

 mouredly. 



4 'Why, yes, I'll accept that amount of course, you 

 take them, like a man takes his wife, for better or 

 worse." 



" I understand you ; but I suppose you will exchange 

 them if they do not suit ?" 



" Oh, yes, with pleasure, but no fear of them not 

 suiting. " 



Enter Tommy (the man whom the coper recommends 

 as a clever groom). Tommy is a downy-looking, lop- 



