224 THE COACHING AGE. 



missioned me to look out, and, as occasion might offer, 

 purchase some for him. This I had done to his 

 satisfaction. 



* One afternoon a tout, or man who was a sort of 

 horse-dealer's cad, came and told me, as a great 

 favour, of a horse that was to be disposed of for a 

 little money. I went with him, and was shown a 

 very useful sort of coach-horse. I asked to see him 

 out. This was complied with, and running my eye 

 over him, and approving his action, I said : 



' " Sound r 



' " Perfectly ; but I don't warrant him." 



' " Age ?" 



' " Six years old." 



' Looking in his mouth I found this to be correct. 



' " Price r I said. 



' " Ten pounds," was the reply. 



' I immediately concluded something was wrong, as 

 he looked like a five-and-thirty-pound horse. 



' " He's not a kicker 1" I said. 



' " You can't make him kick," was the reply. 



' I was almost ashamed to say, " You don't warrant 

 him quiet, I suppose V 



' " You can't expect it at that price ; but all I have 

 told you is true." 



' " Then I'll have him," I said. 



' I observed a smile on the lips of the stableman as 



