24 



going into the country this afternoon," I said (You 

 should always be going into the country a few hours 

 after getting rid of a horse) " and I hope the Chesnut's 

 shoes are firm." 



"No fear," replied Mr. Weatherside, and he 

 whispered, " No need to say anything about this 

 exchange." 



<' Dumb as a mute," retorted I, and then in 

 the hurry of the moment, anxious to bestow some 

 slight compliment that might be mutually suitable, 

 and just bring to the surface the open and candid 

 dealing between us, I added, " I have behaved to you 

 very fairly, have I not — ^just as I know you would 

 have behaved to me ? " 



" All right," returned Mr. Weatherside, " Polly," 

 that was the Chesnut, " will keep her condition on 

 two feeds a day. Good Morning ;" and we parted. 



Now for the sequel. Chameleon was for the Kajah, 

 who was to give something in addition to the eighty 

 guinea Chesnut for him ; and he asked Mr. Weatherside 

 to ride the following day to Highgate that Sir 

 Dashing Driver might take an envious view of so 

 superb a steed previous to his departure for Black- 

 berry-cum-Sloe. Mr. Weatherside left at half-past 

 three with the intention of returning early, for there 

 was company to dinner at seven, when just before sunset 



