52 CONFESSIONS OF A HOKSE DEALER. 



horses for Chaplin, Home, and Co. How much are 

 you asking for the black ?' said he to the owner, who 

 replied, 



" ' I am trying to sell him to this gentleman, (jerking 

 his thumb over his shoulder to me) ; but if we don't 

 agree, I'll sell him to you at a fair price,' 



'" Very well, very well/ said the man, and disap- 

 peared. 



" ' Now then, sir,' said the owner, ' did you ever see 

 a horse you liked better in your life, or so well ?' 



" ' Well,' said I, ' when my old Boxer was the same 

 age, he was quite as good, if not better, although he 

 might not be quite so big a horse. How much shall 

 you ask me ?' 



" ' Five-and-thirty pounds,' said the owner. 



'"I think thirty a fair price,' said I, ' and will pay 

 you for him with that sum, if you choose.' 



" c No, I'll not take a farthing less,' said he. 



" However, I finally bought him at thirty- three pounds, 

 and was very proud of my bargain, and many a one 

 asked me if I would sell him again ; but no, I was quite 

 satisfied with my purchase, and I at once mounted him, 

 and started on my way home, near Ashbourne farther 

 I rode him, the better I liked him, for he seemed 

 as satisfied with me as I did with him. It was near 

 upon thirty miles to my farm from Nottingham. I had 

 baited him twice on the road; but although he ate 

 the bruised oats and bran, he refused his hay ; at length 

 we arrived at a roadside inn, where I generally stayed 



