horse to depend upon. A pretty figure I should cut at
Horncastle, mounted on a horse blood-raw at the knees.' 'Oh, you are
going to Horncastle,' said the old man seriously, 'then I can sympathize
with you in your anxiety about your horse, being a Lincolnshire man, and
the son of one who bred horses. I will myself go down into the stable
and examine into the condition of your horse, so pray remain quiet till I
return; it would certainly be a terrible thing to appear at Horncastle on
a broken-kneed horse.'

He left the room and returned at the end of about ten minutes, followed
by another person. 'Your horse is safe,' said he, 'and his knees are
unblemished; not a hair ruffled. He is a fine animal, and will do credit
to Horncastle; but here is the surgeon come to examine into your own
condition.' The surgeon was a man about thirty-five, thin and rather
tall; his face was long and pale, and his hair, which was light, was
carefully combed back as much as possible from his forehead. He was
dressed very neatly, and spoke in a very precise tone. 'Allow me to feel
your pulse, friend?' said he, taking me by the right wrist. I uttered a
cry, for at the motion which he caused a thrill of agony darted through
my arm. 'I hope your arm is not broke, my friend,' said the surgeon;
'allow me to see. First of all, we must divest you of this cumbrous
frock.'

The frock was removed with some difficulty, and then the upper vestments
of my frame, with more difficulty still. The surgeon felt my arm, moving
it up and down, causing me unspeakable pain. 'There is no fracture,'
said he, at last, 'but a contusion--a violent contusion. I am told you
were going to Horncastle: I am afraid you will be hardly able to ride
your horse thither in time to dispose of him; however, we shall see; your
arm must be bandaged, friend; after which I will bleed you, and
administer a composing draught.'

To be short, the surgeon did as he proposed, and when he had administered
the composing draught, he said, 'Be of good cheer; I should not be
surprised if you are yet in time for Horncastle.' He then departed with
the master of the house, and the woman, leaving me to my repose. I soon
began to feel drowsy, and was just composing myself to slumber, lying on
my back, as the surgeon had advised me, when I heard steps ascending the
stairs, and in a moment more the surgeon entered again, followed by the
master of the house. 'I hope we don't disturb you,