horse back into the stable." "Well," said the surgeon, "we are
old friends, and I don't wish to dispute with you, so I'll tell you what
I will do: I will ride the animal to Horncastle, and we will share what
he fetches like brothers." "Good," said the old man, "but if you say
that you have sold him for less than a hundred, I shan't consider you
jonnock; remember what the young fellow said--that young fellow . . ." I
heard no more, for the next moment I found myself on a broad road
leading, as I supposed, in the direction of Horncastle, the surgeon still
in the saddle, and my legs moving at a rapid trot. "Get on," said the
surgeon, jerking my mouth with the bit; whereupon, full of rage, I
instantly set off at a full gallop, determined, if possible, to dash my
rider to the earth. The surgeon, however, kept his seat, and, so far
from attempting to abate my speed, urged me on to greater efforts with a
stout stick, which methought he held in his hand. In vain did I rear and
kick, attempting to get rid of my foe; but the surgeon remained as saddle-
fast as ever the Maugrabin sorcerer in the Arabian tale what time he rode
the young prince transformed into a steed to his enchanted palace in the
wilderness. At last, as I was still madly dashing on, panting and
blowing, and had almost given up all hope, I saw at a distance before me
a heap of stones by the side of the road, probably placed there for the
purpose of repairing it; a thought appeared to strike me--I will shy at
those stones, and if I can't get rid of him so, resign myself to my fate.
So I increased my speed till arriving within about ten yards of the heap,
I made a desperate start, turning half round with nearly the velocity of
a mill-stone. Oh, the joy I experienced when I felt my enemy canted over
my neck, and saw him lying senseless in the road. "I have you now in my
power," I said, or rather neighed, as, going up to my prostrate foe, I
stood over him. "Suppose I were to rear now, and let my fore feet fall
upon you, what would your life be worth? that is, supposing you are not
killed already, but lie there, I will do you no further harm, but trot to
Horncastle without a rider, and when there . . ." and without further
reflection off I trotted in the direction of Horncastle, but had not gone
far before my bridle, falling from my neck, got entangled with my off
fore foot. I felt myself falling, a thrill of agony shot through me--my
knees would be broken, and