98 CONFESSIONS OF A HOUSE DEALEB. 



just received a letter from that gentleman who bought 

 the horse from Double-shuffle ; here it is," handing me 

 the following letter : 



"York, 



" My dear Sir, The horse I bought from the scoundrel whom I 

 met with at your house is a perfect devil. I sent him to be shod 

 this morning, but the lad who mounted him, by a leg up on the 

 blanket, for the purpose of riding him to the forge, was immedi- 

 ately thrown over the brute's head, and his skull fractured. I 

 afterwards directed a man to lead him there, which he managed 

 to do, bat not without a deal of trouble ; but when the farrier 

 approached with his box of tools, within range of his heels, he 

 sent them out and broke three of the poor fellow's ribs. I have 

 therefore concluded to send him back by the 20 past 3 train to- 

 morrow ; and if you will send a trusty man to the station for him, 

 and keep him at your stables until you get me the money back, I 

 will pay you all charges and expenses, and you will render me a 

 service. 



(l I am, my dear sir, yours faithfully, 



G H ." 



" Well, what do you think of that business ?" said 

 the innkeeper to me. " I have sent for Double- shuffle, 

 and I expect him here presently, and he shall see the 

 letter." 



" I should do nothing of the kind," said I, " for the 

 language is too strong. You will have to go quietly 

 and warily to work with him to get the money back." 



" Oh ! but I'll show him the letter, and see what he 

 says; there can be no harm in that," said my friend. 



" As you please," said I. " Here he is, by Jove." 



"Morning, gentlemen," said Double-shuffle 



