262 MY FARM. 



The idea struck me as novel ; but upon reflection 

 I am inclined to think it was well based. As I said, 

 often as possible, I accomplish this business by 

 proxy; and, in consequence, have made some bad 

 debts by proxy. But proxy is not always available. 

 There are customers who insist upon chaffering with 

 the ' boss.' Such an one has dropped in, on a morn- 

 ing in which you happen to be deeply engaged. He 

 wishes to ' take a look ' at a horse, which he has 

 seen advertised for sale. The stable is free to his 

 observation, and the attentive Pat is at hand ; but 

 the customer wants a talk with the ' Squire.' 



It is a staunch Canadian horse, for which you 

 have no further use. You paid for him, six months 

 gone, a hundred and fifty dollars, and you now name 

 a hundred dollars as his price. I never yet met a 

 man who sold a horse for as much as he gave unless 

 he were a jockey ; I never expect to. 



" Mornin', Squire." 



" Good morning." 



" Bin a lookin' at y'er hoss." 



" Ah ! " 



" Middlin' lump of a hoss." 



" Yes, a nice horse." 



" D'n know as you know it, but sich bosses an't 

 BO salable as they was a spell back." 



" Ah ! " 



