ithout his misgivings that, regardless of being on his
preferment, the horse might exhibit more of his peculiarity than would
forward his master's interests, and, independently of the disagreeableness
of being kicked off at the cover side, not being always compensated for by
falling soft, Mr. Sponge thought, as the meet was not far off, and he did
not sport a cover hack, it would look quite as well to ride his horse
quietly on as go in a fly, provided always he could accomplish the
mount--the mount--like the man walking with his head under his arm--being
the first step to everything.

Accordingly, Mr. Leather had the horse saddled and accoutred as quietly as
possible--his warm clothing put over the saddle immediately, and everything
kept as much in the usual course as possible, so that the noble animal's
temper might not be ruffled by unaccustomed trouble or unusual objects.
Leather having seen that the horse could not eject Mr. Sponge even in
trousers, had little fear of his dislodging him in boots and breeches;
still it was desirable to avoid all unseemly contention, and maintain the
high character of the stud, by which means Leather felt that his own
character and consequence would best be maintained. Accordingly, he
refrained from calling in the aid of any of the stable assistants,
preferring for once to do a little work himself, especially when the rider
was up to the trick, and not 'a gent' to be cajoled into 'trying a horse.'
Mr. Sponge, punctual to his time, appeared at the stable, and after much
patting, whistling, so--so--ing, my man, and general ingratiation, the
redoubtable nag was led out of the stable into a well-littered straw-yard,
where, though he might be gored by a bull if he fell, the 'eyes of England'
at all events would not witness the floorer. Horses, however, have
wonderful memories and discrimination. Though so differently attired to
what he was on the occasion of his trial, the horse seemed to recognize Mr.
Sponge, and independently of a few snorts as he was led out, and an
indignant stamp or two of his foot as it was let down, after Mr. Sponge was
mounted he took things very quietly.

'Now,' said Leather, in an undertone, patting the horse's arched neck,
'I'll give you a hint; they're a goin' to run a drag to try what he's made
on, so be on the look-out.'

'How do you know?' asked Mr. Sponge, in surprise, drawing his reins as he
spoke.

'_I know_,' replied Mr. Leather with a wink.

Just t