me out a
cupful of tea, and then, with the assistance of the woman, raised me
higher, and propped me up with the pillows. I ate and drank; when the
pot was emptied of its liquid (it did not contain much), I raised it up
with my left hand to inspect it. The sides were covered with curious
characters, seemingly hieroglyphics. After surveying them for some time,
I replaced it upon the tray. "You seem fond of china," said I, to the
old man, after the servant had retired with the breakfast things, and I
had returned to my former posture; "you have china on the mantelpiece,
and that was a remarkable teapot out of which I have just been drinking."

The old man fixed his eyes intently on me, and methought the expression
of his countenance became yet more melancholy. "Yes," said he, at last,
"I am fond of china--I have reason to be fond of china--but for china I
should--" and here he sighed again.

"You value it for the quaintness and singularity of its form," said I;
"it appears to be less adapted for real use than our own pottery."

"I care little about its form," said the old man; "I care for it simply
on account of--however, why talk to you on the subject which can have no
possible interest to you? I expect the surgeon here presently."

"I do not like that surgeon at all," said I; "how strangely he behaved
last night, coming back, when I was just falling asleep, to ask me if I
would sell my horse."

The old man smiled. "He has but one failing," said he, "an itch for
horse-dealing; but for that he might be a much richer man than he is; he
is continually buying and exchanging horses, and generally finds himself
a loser by his bargains: but he is a worthy creature, and skilful in his
profession--it is well for you that you are under his care."

The old man then left me, and in about an hour returned with the surgeon,
who examined me and reported favourably as to my case. He spoke to me
with kindness and feeling, and did not introduce the subject of the
horse. I asked him whether he thought I should be in time for the fair.
"I saw some people making their way thither to-day," said he; "the fair
lasts three weeks, and it has just commenced. Yes, I think I may promise
you that you will be in time for the very heat of it. In a few days you
will be able to mount your saddle with your arm in a sling, but you must
by no means appear with your arm in a sling at Horncastle, as people
would think that your horse had flung