66 mr. sponge's sporting tour. 



" So he ought," replied Mr. Sponge ; " I gave a hatful of money 

 for him — two hundred and fifty golden sovereigns, and not a guinea 

 back. Bullfrog's the biggest screw I ever dealt with." 



That latter observation was highly encouraging to Thornton. It 

 showed that Mr. Sponge was not one of your tight-laced dons, who 

 take offence at the mere mention of " drawbacks," but, on the con- 

 trary, favoured the supposition that he would do the " genteel," should 

 he happen to be a seller. 



" Well, if you should feel disposed to part with him, perhaps you 

 will have the kindness to let me know," observed Mr. Thornton ; 

 adding, " he's not for myself, of course, but I think I know a man he 

 would suit, and who would be inclined to give a good price for him." 



"I will," replied Mr. Sponge; " I will," repeated he; adding, 

 " if I ivere to sell him, I wouldn't take a farthing under three 'underd 

 for him — three 'underd guineas, mind, not iDundsS" 



" That's a vast sum of money," observed Mr. Thornton. 



" Not a bit on't," replied Mr. Sponge. " He's worth it all, and 

 a great deal more. Indeed, I haven't said, mind that, I'll take that 

 for him ; all I've said is, that I wouldn't take less." 



" Just so," replied Mr. Thornton. 



" He's a horse of high character," observed Mr. Sponge. " In- 

 deed, he has no business out of Leicestershire ; and I don't know 

 what set my fool of a groom to bring him here." 



(l Well, I'll see if I can coax my friend into giving what you 

 say," observed Mr. Thornton. 



" Nay, never mind coaxing," replied Mr. Sponge, with the utmost 

 indifference ; " never mind coaxing ; if he's not anxious, my name's 

 ' easy.' Only mind ye, if I ride him again, and he carries me as he 

 did yesterday, I shall clap on another fifty. A horse of that figure 

 can't be dear at any price," added he. " Put him in a steejile-chase, 

 and you'd get your money back in ten minutes, and a bagful to boot." 



" True," observed Mr. Thornton, treasuring that fact up as an 

 additional inducement to use to his friend. 



So the amiable gentlemen parted. 



