"What
do you ask for this horse?" said he of the green coat, winking at
me with the eye which had a beam in it, whilst the other shone and
sparkled like Mrs. Colonel W-'s Golconda diamond. "Who are you,
sir, I demand once more?" said he of the hungry look. "Who am I?
why, who should I be but Jack Dale, who buys horses for himself and
other folk; I want one at present for this short young gentleman,"
said he, motioning with his finger to the gigantic youth. "Well,
sir," said the other, "and what business have you to interfere
between me and any purchase I may be disposed to make?" "Well,
then," said the other, "be quick and purchase the horse, or,
perhaps, I may." "Do you think I am to be dictated to by a fellow
of your description?" said his lordship, "begone, or--" "What do
you ask for this horse?" said the other to me, very coolly. "A
hundred and fifty," said I. "I shouldn't mind giving it to you,"
said he. "You will do no such thing," said his lordship, speaking
so fast that he almost stuttered. "Sir," said he to me, "I must
give you what you ask; Symmonds, take possession of the animal for
me," said he to the other jockey who attended him. "You will
please to do no such thing without my consent," said I, "I have not
sold him." "I have this moment told you that I will give you the
price you demand," said his lordship; "is not that sufficient?"
"No," said I, "there is a proper manner of doing everything--had
you come forward in a manly and gentlemanly manner to purchase the
horse, I should have been happy to sell him to you, but after all
the fault you have found with him, I would not sell him to you at
any price, so send your friend to find up another.
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