enough to go to plough; mind what a flat
counter; do but observe how sharp this here one is in the withers;
then he's fired in the further fetlock." In short, this connoisseur
in horse-flesh, having discovered in them all the defects which can
possibly be found in this species of animal, offered to give him ten
guineas for the two, saying he would convert them into beasts of burden.
The owner, who, after what had happened, was very well disposed to
listen to anything that was said to their prejudice, implicitly believed
the truth of the stranger's asseverations, discharged a furious volley
of oaths against the rascal who had taken him in, and forthwith struck
a bargain with the squire, who paid him instantly for his purchase; in
consequence of which he won the plate at the next Canterbury races.

This affair being transacted to the mutual satisfaction of both parties,
as well as to the general entertainment of the company, who laughed in
their sleeves at the dexterity of their friend, Trunnion was set upon
the squire's own horse, and led by his servant in the midst of this
cavalcade, which proceeded to a neighbouring village, where they had
bespoke dinner, and where our bridegroom found means to provide himself
with another hat and wig. With regard to his marriage, he bore his
disappointment with the temper of a philosopher; and the exercise he had
undergone having quickened his appetite, sat down at table in the midst
of his new acquaintance, making a very hearty meal, and moistening
every morsel with a draught of the ale, which he found very much to his
satisfaction.

CHAPTER IX.

He is found by Lieutenant--Reconducted to his own House--Married to Mrs.
Grizzle, who meets with a small misfortune in the Night, and asserts her
Prerogative next Morning, in consequence of which her Husband's Eye is
endangered.

Meanwhile Lieutenant Hatchway made shift to hobble to the church, where
he informed the company of what had happened to the commodore: and the
bride behaved with great decency on the occasion; for, as she understood
the danger to which her future husband was exposed, she fainted in the
arms of her sister-in-law, to the surprise of all the spectators,
who could not comprehend the cause of her disorder; and when she was
recovered by the application of smelling-bottles, earnestly begged that
Mr. Hatchway and Tom Pipes should take her brother's coach, and go in
quest of their commander.

This task they