im. I saw that he appreciated, with a true horse-dealer's 'onction,'
any thing that smacked of trick or stratagem; in fact, he looked upon
all mankind as so many 'screws,' he being the cleverest fellow who could
detect their imperfections, and unveil their unsoundness. In proportion
as I recounted to him the pranks and rogueries of my boyish life, his
esteem for me rose higher and higher; and, before the day was over, I
had won so much of his confidence, that he told me the peculiar vice and
iniquity of every horse he had, describing with great satisfaction the
class of purchasers, he had determined to meet with.

"'There is little Paul there,' said he, 'that brown cob, with the
cropped ears, there isn't such a trotter in Ireland; but somehow, though
you can see his knees from the saddle when he's moving, he'll come slap
down with you, as if he was shot, the moment you touch his flank with
the spur, and then there's no getting him up again, till you brush
his ear with the whip--the least thing does it--he's on his legs in a
minute, and not a bit the worse of his performance.'

"Among all the narratives he told, this made the deepest impression on
me. That the animal had been taught the accomplishment, there could be
no doubt; and I began to puzzle my brain in what way it might best be
turned to advantage. It was of great consequence to me to impress
my friend at once with a high notion of my powers; and here was an
admirable occasion for their exercise, if I only could hit on a plan.

"The conversation turned on various subjects, and at last, as we neared
Killaloe, my companion began to ponder over the most probable mode I
could be of service to him, on the following day. It was at last agreed
upon, that, on reaching town, I should exchange my Petrucio costume for
that of a 'squireen,' or half gentleman; and repair to the ordinary at
the 'Green-man,' where nearly all the buyers put up, and all the talk on
sporting matters went forward. This suited me perfectly, I was delighted
to perform a new part, particularly when the filling up was left to my
own discretion. Before an hour elapsed after our arrival, I saw myself
attired in a very imposing suit--blue coat, cords and tops, that would
have fitted me for a very high range of character in my late profession.
O'Kelly was a name, as Pistol says, 'of good report,' and there was no
need to change it; so I took my place at the supper-table, among some
forty others, comprisin