d twenty-three pounds. A very close bargain was being driven,
for my salesman began to think he should not get all he asked, and must
come down; but just then the gray-eyed man came back again. I could not
help reaching out my head toward him. He stroked my face kindly. "Well,
old chap," he said, "I think we should suit each other. I'll give
twenty-four for him."

"Say twenty-five, and you shall have him." "Twenty-four then," said my
friend, in a very decided tone, "and not another sixpence--yes, or no?"

"Done," said the salesman; "and you may depend upon it there's a
monstrous deal of quality in that horse, and if you want him for cab
work he's a bargain."

[Illustration]

The money was paid on the spot, and my new master took my halter, and
led me out of the fair to an inn, where he had a saddle and bridle
ready. He gave me a good feed of oats, and stood by while I ate it,
talking to himself and talking to me. Half an hour after, we were on our
way to London, through pleasant lanes and country roads, until we came
into the great thoroughfare, on which we traveled steadily, till in the
twilight we reached the great city. The gas lamps were already lighted;
there were streets and streets crossing each other, for mile upon mile.
I thought we should never come to the end of them. At last, in passing
through one, we came to a long cab stand, when my rider called out in a
cheery voice, "Good-night, Governor!"

"Hallo!" cried a voice. "Have you got a good one?"

"I think so," replied my owner.

"I wish you luck with him."

"Thank ye, Governor," and he rode on. We soon turned up one of the
side-streets, and about half-way up that we turned into a very narrow
street, with rather poor-looking houses on one side, and what seemed to
be coach-houses and stables on the other.

My owner pulled up at one of the houses and whistled. The door flew
open, and a young woman, followed by a little girl and boy, ran out.
There was a very lively greeting as my rider dismounted. "Now, then,
Harry, my boy, open the gates, and mother will bring us the lantern."

The next minute they were all round me in the stable yard. "Is he
gentle, father?" "Yes, Dolly, as gentle as your own kitten; come and pat
him." At once the little hand was patting about all over my shoulder
without fear. How good it felt!

"Let me get him a bran mash while you rub him down," said the mother.
"Do, Polly, it's just what he wants; and I know you've got a bea