Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-06-20

the horses. | found pair Of bays, rather an
tiquated in appearance, considerably the worse
for wear, and rather gnarled about the knees,
but thought they might do. ! made the old
lady an offer of hundred dollar bill for the
two, which she accepted, after had eloquent
" explained all the bad points that they pos
sessed. Immediately put them into the hands
of Phleme, the horse doctor, who commenced
with them course of treatment that saw
must make them just the sort for my clerical
friend, and | already jingled an imaginary five
hundred dollar profit in my pocket, resulting
from the speculation
"lIe came in several times TO inquire about
them, and at last the day arrived when they
were 10 come by the cars-in fact, had just re-
ceived a Geographic dispatch fixing the minute
and they would be driven round for him 10
see, as soon as they came in.
"On the day specified the horses were brought
round, and greater metamorphis you never
saw. Their flowing names and long tails and
smooth hair were objects of admiration. The
carbuncles had disappeared from the legs and
they stepped in a manner that denoted complete
rciuvenation. Browr was delighted.
"'Whatl you touch for them, Tom, ell y
said he rubbing his hands.
"About six hundred" replied |, modes,ly
"'Sixl' continued he ; mot bit Of it,
don't say mill less than eight, at first and
if you can't get that, fall back on seven hun
bred and stick there. They're prime
Brown volunteered TO 60 round with me,
and we put it off till nigh evening, when bay
horses always look the best. My customer liv-
ed out Of town little way, and we soon reach
cd his residence, driving up to his door with
swing that would have done credit TO an impe
rial team. The reverend gentleman came out
to look at his purchase, expressed himself well
satisfied with their appearance and then wish
ed 10 drive them. lie accordingly mounted the
box and drove them short distance, much de-
lighted with them.
"'And now said he, about the terms
"Well, SIR" replied 81 have had some
difficulty in procuring them-been up TO Yer
mont several times TO see about them-and they
cost rather more because they are both from
one dam, and brought up together. ] found
the man who owned them rather loath TO part
with them. He'd just refused a splendid offer
for them, but when told him they were for a
very particular person who would treat them
well he said might take them. don't see
how | can take less than eight hundred dollars
for them. ought to say thousand to make
them pay anything"
"All the while Brown was standing aside
expatiaiing upon their points with much adm-
ration, and going into some romantic details OF
their parentage and education, having, he pre-
tended, known them from their birth, some ten
years previous.
Il am not very particular about hundred
dollars said the minister, 'and wouldn't let it
stand in the way Of my securing the right kind
Of horses for my own use, but | am disposed to
offer YOU six hundred dollars for them
Couldn't think of it for a moment SIR
said |, gathering the rens together, as if about
to jump in and ride off, they cost me towards
that
"'Well,' replied he, split the difference,
say-soy seven hundred. But before | COM
plete the bargain, would like to have my wife
see them. Jane y cried lie to lady at an up
per window, come down, please, and see my
new purchase.
That's coming down rather too much,'
SAID 1; put WIN NOT stand about II, sho.st
you are making smart bargain out Of me. u
"At this instant the door opened and the la
, dy stepped out upon the door step. She gave
an exclamation Of pleased surprise, and rushing
up to the horse nearest 10 her, commenced ca
ressing him, saying
"'Poor, dear old Browny, how do you do
) Do you know your mistress, Brownyi'
, "The horse whinnered, held down his head
3 and gave all the signs of recognition.
"'What does this mean, Janet asked the
good man, somewhat surprised.
"'Why, my DEAR replied she, joyfuly, thi
g is my mothers good old Browny, two days old
err than ann we were brought up together
Mother told me the other day she had sold tn,
span for hundred dollars
: "'I think upon the whole, said the goo,
+ man, with some severity in his tone, that
+ will not have them. | am sorry you have beef
d to so much trouble, and their history, as giveI
e by your friend, has been amusing. Good al
: ternoon, gentlemen
Il "'Well, Tom,' said Brown, as we drov
o away, 'what'll you take for the span now!'
81 made him no answer, and a spirit of cru
it city actuaed me to lay on the string most siren
c uously all the way home, as though the horse
# were the conscious cause of all my trouble.
n 81 don't know" he continued, shut you vii
n think me bad fellow for all this, but if ever
d devout Catholic suffered in expiation of sin,
d suffered for my offence, and | would enjoin up
S on all of my young friends to beware of falling
e into the awful sin of lying, and 10 never get in
}, to the horse trade if they can avoid it,"
d "But what became of the horses j. aske
q one of the most interested.
n "Sold them for one hundred and fifty dol
|, lars, and paid old Phleme seventy-fve dollar
f. for brushing of them up. Oh, it was terribl
r bad speculation.
Tom finished his story, and kicked his heel
k pensively against the end of the box on whic
i he sat, while the tobacco smoke curled up i
n gentle clouds from the corner of his mouth.