A SPORTING TRIP TO FRANCE. 175 



guards ; but as you seem to know the tricks of 

 these fellows, it will probably not surprise you. 

 I can assure you we are much obliged for your 

 friendly, hint." 



We were interrupted in our smoke by the 

 garqon entering, and telling us to come and 

 look at the splendid carriage and horses of the 



Count who had just arrived from Lower 



Brittany. 



" Quatre chevaux magnifiques" he added, ex- 

 citedly as he rushed from the room. 



" Come on," said our Irish friend, ' ' I know 

 this trap well. You will roar with laughter, 

 but don't do so before the owner. He has 

 come here on purpose to show us English fellows 

 his splendid turn-out." 



On reaching the door I saw such a sight as 

 I was not prepared for. A large, very gaudily- 

 painted break, with four gray stallions to it, 

 their tails plaited up with straw, harness of 

 buff leather, such as we^ make our hedging- 

 gloves of, straw collars, with no end of bells to 

 them, and white rope reins ; I shall never forget 

 it. Seated on the box was the owner of this 

 gorgeous equipage, got up with an attempt at 



