Phyllis and Ophelia 27 



I see what yon mean. Send Phyllis to France, and let 

 our young friend have the other one. But are you sure 

 the likeness is as close as j^ou say ? ' 



' I tell you I had to look more than once before I was 

 sure it wasn't Phyllis, and he's seen her just twice — the 

 day he bought her, and one morning when he came to 

 see her gallop in her clothing,' Thomas answered. 



' If that's so, it's a rattling good dodge, and you are on 

 a pony if it comes off. When can we see her ? Where's 

 a railway guide ? There's no time to be lost.' 



In less than two hours Dossie and Sharp were on 

 their way to Horley, where Wetheral, a kindred spirit 

 who kept an establishment somewhat similar to that 

 presided over by Dossie, was to be found. There was no 

 false delicacy about the transaction, and the visitors 

 came to the point at once when Wetheral had exchanged 

 greetings, and poured out the inevitable drink. Leading 

 the way to the stall where the mare stood, Wetheral 

 stripped off her clothing ; and the two gazed with 

 astonishment at the animal— Ophelia she was called — 

 whose likeness to Phyllis, even to their practised eyes, 

 was amazing. 



' Thomas was right. Smart chap, that — very smart,' 

 Sharpe said, and Dossie nodded assent, his gaze still 

 fixed on the mare. 



* It's wonderful ! They are as like as two peas. How's 

 she bred ? ' he asked. ' Both Solons ? Well, that's odd, 

 though it doesn't account for the likeness.' 



It was, indeed, a strange accident. Wetheral was 

 ready enough to sell, and the mare returned to the 

 Common Farm with her new master. Even when put 

 side by side with the other, the likeness was not lost — 

 scarcely diminished. Phyllis was a shade the taller and 



