252 SOME CURIOUS HORSES 



me to come and look through their stables. I did 

 not want another horse, but thought I should like 

 to go, and, on the fixed day, went. On getting to 

 their place, after a very good lunch, they asked me 

 to come out and go over the stud. When they 

 opened the door of the first stable, strangely enough 

 there stood, just opposite the door, the identical 

 brown mare T had so admired on her journey 

 through town. The dealer, seeing I was struck 

 with her, insisted on her being stripped and 

 brought out, in spite of my telling them that I 

 did not want a horse, and that it was no use taking 

 the trouble to bring her out. However, out she 

 came, and I certainly admired her very much. To 

 my surprise, she stood 15 h. 3 in., though until 

 you went close to her you would not have thought 

 her more than 15 hands; had four splendid flat 

 black legs, well ribbed up, with a very nice head 

 and well-laid shoulders and neck ; her paces and 

 action were excellent, and the dealers said if I 

 could find a fault in her they would give her to me. 

 I told them I did not want her, but as they were 

 taking her in, thought I would just ask her price. 

 Now, horses were very dear that season, and, as 

 she was warranted a good hunter, excellent in har- 

 ness and to carry a lady, and only four years old, I 

 expected that at least £100 would be asked. To 



