d down Hunter, that the parson consented to lend
me the money, and everything began to grow civil to me. So, dash my
buttons if I show the ungrateful mind to you! I don't offer to knock
anybody down for you, because why--I dare say you can knock a body down
yourself; but I'll offer something more to the purpose; as my business is
wonderfully on the increase, I shall want somebody to help me in serving
my customers, and keeping them in order. If you choose to come and serve
for your board, and what they'll give you, give me your fist; or if you
like ten shillings a week better than their sixpences and ha'pence, only
say so--though, to be open with you, I believe you would make twice ten
shillings out of them--the sneaking, fawning, curry-favouring humbugs!"

"I am much obliged to you," said I, "for your handsome offer, which,
however, I am obliged to decline."

"Why so?" said the landlord.

"I am not fit for service," said I; "moreover, I am about to leave this
part of the country." As I spoke a horse neighed in the stable. "What
horse is that?" said I.

"It belongs to a cousin of mine, who put it into my hands yesterday in
the hopes that I might get rid of it for him, though he would no more
have done so a week ago, when he considered me a down pin, than he would
have given the horse away. Are you fond of horses?"

"Very much," said I.

"Then come and look at it." He led me into the stable, where, in a
stall, stood a noble-looking animal.

"Dear me," said I, "I saw this horse at --- fair."

"Like enough," said the landlord; "he was there and was offered for
seventy pounds, but didn't find a bidder at any price. What do you think
of him?"

"He's a splendid creature."

"I am no judge of horses," said the landlord; "but I am told he's a first-
rate trotter, good leaper, and has some of the blood of Syntax. What
does all that signify?--the game is against his master, who is a down
pin, is thinking of emigrating, and wants money confoundedly. He asked
seventy pounds at the fair; but, between ourselves, he would be glad to
take fifty here."

"I almost wish," said I, "that I were a rich squire."

"You would buy him then," said the landlord. Here he mused for some
time, with a very profound look. "It would be a rum thing," said he,
"if, some time or other, that horse should come into your hands. Didn't
you hear how he neighed when you talked about leaving the country? My
granny was a wise woman, and