100 CONFESSIONS OF A HOESE DEALEB. 



The man went home and told his master the truth. 

 Double had signed the book at the station and taken 

 charge of the horse for my friend, to whom it was di- 

 rected by a card attached to the body-roller, as also 

 entered in his name in the way-bill. 



" Tear-an'-ages, what's to be done now? I'll send for 

 the police and have him arrested for obtaining the horse 

 under false pretences," said the inkeeper to me. 



" Yes ! that would be as clever as showing him the 

 letter," said I, " for if he had never seen the letter the 

 horse would have been in your stable instead of his ; 

 not that it matters much where he is, for he's not worth 

 a week's keep." 



" "What would you do, if you were me ?" said my 

 friend. 



"It must be a case of diamond cut diamond," said L 

 " "Will you leave it to me, and I'll try to get the horse 

 back or another better ?'* 



" Agreed," said my friend. 



It wanted about five days to Doncaster Races, and I 

 knew Double-shuffle would go there. His confidential 

 servant, Jack, was always left in charge of the screws^ 

 with power to sell, while he was away at the various 

 race meetings. Jack, although a clever fellow, was 

 very fond of drink ; but nothing delighted him better 

 than to catch a flat, and have a "deal" while his mas- 

 ter was away. 



The day after Double went away I sent a confidential 

 friend (not resident in the town) to Double's stable^ 

 with proper instructions. 



