A FINE HORSE. 51 



" * All right, sir/ said a dashing-looking fellow, in a 

 waistcoat with sleeves, and red neckerchief, and disap- 

 peared into the stable, whither I attempted to follow 

 him ; but seeing that I should have to pass many horses, 

 whose looks and signs made it probable that I should be 

 kicked to a jelly, I retreated, and patiently waited until 

 the horse was brought out. I had not long to wait, 

 before his appearance was heralded by, ' Care, care ; look 

 out there ! Look out, Cranky ! Do you want to be run 

 over r* and out he bounced. 



" Crack went a whip behind him ; the man at his head 

 trots him to the extremity of the street, and back again, 



illy fixing him with his feet on rising ground, against 

 a white- washed building ; and I must confess, that I 

 never saw a better made cart-horse in my life ; he was 

 a jet black, with no white upon him, about sixteen hands 

 high, and, according to my judgment, a perfect model of 

 a farmer's horse for general purposes. His inane and 

 tail were neatly plaited with straw, which, with the 

 white leather halter and rosette of red ribbon, contrasted 

 nicely with his glossy coat and superb condition. I 

 examined his mouth, which indicated five years; his 

 feet and legs appeared sonnd, and I made up my mind 

 to purchase him, if the price was not too high. At this 

 moment a bustling man came up, and addressing me, 



" ' This here hoss yours, sir ?' said he. 



" * No ; he belongs to that gentleman/ said I (point- 

 ing to the owner). 



" ' Oh, thank you/ said he, ' I want a few useful 



2 



