94 STABLE SECRETS. 



Puffy Doddles felt that the one fault of his life — " not seeing 

 the besrsfar on the near side " — would be the skeleton at the 

 feast, and the dark closet in his household, for long, and it 

 might be for ever. With much less despondency, however, he 

 now regarded this terrible misfortune, and trusted generally in 

 the hope of having " better luck next time." 



"While brushing lightly, tenderly, but, at the same time, 

 efficiently, the white heel of the Colt by Glitter, dam Comet, by 

 Falling Star, one autumnal morning, Puffy Doddles heard a 

 short cough given, by way of calling his attention, as it seemed, 

 to the promoter, and as he paused in his task, and glanced up- 

 wards, he saw that he was in the presence of Mr. James Sloper. 



As was his wont, Robert Top's best lad exhibited his careful 

 training in politeness by a bow of the best to his superior. 



Mr. James Sloper made no sign of being sensible of the 

 politeness ; but stood sternly watching Puffy Doddles, as he 

 resumed the work of brushing Sunshine's white heel. 



Mr. James Sloper coughed a second time, but spoke not a 

 word. 



The silence proved extremely trying to Puffy Doddles, feel- 

 ing, as he did, that it was only a calm preceding, what he most 

 thoroughly feared, a gale of no gentle description. 



At length, and when the nerves of Puff}*" Doddles were 

 wrought to a pitch of insufferable acuteness, Mr. James Sloper 

 coughed a third time, and thus began — 



" I have something to say to you, my young friend." 



Every pore in the skin of Pobert Top's best lad opened at 

 these words, delivered, as they were, in a tone and manner 

 expressive of anythiug but a friendly nature, and he felt cold 

 drops ooz3 out, and, blending together, run down in icy streams 

 from various parts of his body. 



Mr. James Sloper perceived the impression the opening of 

 his address had made, and was determined to follow up the 

 advantage by slowly, deliberately, and emphatically repeating 

 his words, " I have something to say to you, my young friend." 



