"He's a very fine horse; and if as good as he looks, would be worth any man's money."
"He's better than he looks, ostler: and 'tisn't any man's money that will buy him. He must give a good price for him, whoever buys him. But look well after him. I must go and get a bait myself."
She went into the bar, ordered her breakfast, took up the newspaper, and with all the airs of a consequential young jockey sat down to the perusal of it. After taking some refreshment she got up to see her horse fed.
The ostler, finding so fine a horse was for sale, apprised a livery-stable-keeper of his acquaintance, who on hearing his representation hastened to look at him. Margaret was called out; the animal exhibited; under-valued by the dealer in the style so characteristic of such gentry; and his good qualifications well vouched for by the young groom.
"Did you ever see a better shape?" exclaimed Margaret. "Look at his fore-end; there's a crest, there's a shoulder, there's a head! Look at his legs, as straight and clean as a colt's; and as for quarters, where will you find such for strength and beauty? He's six-year old next grass; has never done any hard work before this day; and you won't find a puff as big as a pea in any of his sinews. Quiet to ride or drive, and without a fault. Now, what's the matter with him?"
This was such a poser to the dealer that he could only reply by asking, "Can I have a warranty with him?"
"To be sure you can," said Margaret. "You may have a written one from me; or, if you like better to deal with my master, you may wait till he comes up, and then he'll give you a character, and perhaps you'll make a better bargain with him than you will with me."
"To be sure I am, or else I should not stand here to talk with you about him."
"He belongs to my master, Mr. Cook, of Ipswich, in Suffolk."
"Yes; when you have bought and paid for him. He is not to go out of my sight until I receive the money for him, or deliver the horse himself into my master's charge."
"I should like to see him down our ride; I could better judge of his paces."
"Clap the saddle on him. I will ride him where you like; or I will let you drive me with him; but I do not trust any one else with him whilst he is in my care."