The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-08-25
How the Deacon Matched DObbin,

subject on which ne estecneu nihiseil
sharper-sighted than on any other, it was
that Of horsehesh.
In that field, he and his son Tom, you
would have believed, to hear them talk,
pretty nearly divided the sum total of
human knowledge between them Tom
thought himself, if anything, q little keener
than the i'old mar" He started, you see,
with the advantage Of the latter's training
instead of being left, in early youth, to
work his own way.
The deacon and Tom carried on the
farm together. Nominally the deacon
was proprietor, but as Tom was sole heir
apparent, he was allowed a considerable
share in the management, and felt as free
TO buy or sell, if good chance offered, as
though everything had been his own.
One morning the deacon took the train
to town, whittier he was called on business.
Tom, after making the usual morning
round, and seeing that everything was in
its place, sat down to rest spell on a
bench before the door.
ssGood-morning, sir" a grave-looking
gentleman aceosted him, refining up at the
gate.
"Good-morning, sir, Tom replied, rising
and advancing to learn the others wishes.
"Can / have pail of water for my
horse9" asked the stranger.
"Certainly,n answered Tom. "Don't
alight," he added, seeing the gentleman
about to get down-''the pumps handy,
and I'll fetch you bucketful-no trouble,
assure you
The water was brought, but the horse
didn't seem to be very thirsty at first-at
any rate, he made no motion to drink till
the water touched his nose, but then he
drained every drop, and ended by asking
for more.
aShall / give him another ?" said Tom,
patting the animals neck, and looking him
over with the eye of connoisseur. "He
seems little heated, and there might be
danger of water-founder"
II think it would be safer not to risk
it, the stranger answered, and thanking
Tom politely was about to ride on.
"What might his age be2" qaeried
Tom, continuing his scrutiny of the horse.
"Seyen next spring."
Tom chinned him.
"Sixteen hands ?"
Sand an inch, replied the other.
"What do you hold him at asked
Tom, carelessly, after peep in the beasts
mouth.
"Well, I've never set price on him, ,
returned the stranger-'indeed have never
thought of parting with him."
aWould you mind showing his gait 2"
said Tom.
'Not the least
And the stranger trotted up the road
bit, returning at walk. The horse
carried himself well. He was snowy
brute, well calculated to captiyate Toms
fancy.
sMay be you'd swap?" he limited.
II can hardly say" was the reply, still
/ see what I'm offered
''Let me show you the finest nag 10 the
countyi" said Tom, starting toward the
stable.
In brief space he returned, leading
Dobbin. Dobbin was a clean.limbed,
substantial-looking country horse. He
could acquit himself with credit, if not
brilliantly, under saddle or in harness.
he was steady going, conservative ami
NAL, one to be relied upon to do his duty
conscientiously under all circumstances.
He was nothing ike as snowy as the
other, and was a couple of years his senior.
"1here's picture for you Y said Tom,
slapping Dobbin on the rumpt to make him
show off lively.
"Let me see him go, requested the
stranger, alighting and throwing his rein
over the gate post.
The saddle was transferred TO Dobbin's
back, and Tom, mounting, put him through
his PAGES, the stranger looking on,
Then twas Dobbin turn to be chinned
and to have his mouth inspected, and to
undergo examination genenlly, after which
Tom and the stranger sat down to reason
together.
l'What boot'll you give2" the former
began.
aBoot Y returned the latter-sthe boot
should be on t'other leg, think
"Giyc me twenty dollars, and call it q
trade, said Tom.
aPshaw you're joking
"Never was more serious in my life"
aThen | may as well be going" replied
the stranger, making feint to replace the
saddle.
aHoId, interrupted Tom say Ten and
its bargainl''
The stranger shook his head.
'I'Il tell you what I'll do, he said, with
apparent hesitation-"eyen or quits !"
Tom took closer survey Of the stran-
gers horse, and the longer he looked the
better he was pleased.
mo ailments, ! suppose ?" he asked
after pause.
"None whatever"
"And his eyes n
As keen at night as in the day time
thats why I've named him Lynx"
ADone r said Tom, after another pause.
The brides we're exchanged, and after q
cordial shake-hands, the stranger jumped
on DObbin's back and rode away.
Tom, ehuckling at the goodness Of his
bargain, led his prize of 70 the stable, and
went ABOUT hiB Work.
Il vas hate when the deacon returned,
aud Tom didn't see him till the two met at
breakfast.
swell Tom, remarked the deacon.
complaceBtly slipping his chocolate, ri
bought match for Dobbin ii town.
A match for Dobbin n replied Tom
ssyeure too late, fathers
aToo late r.
Yes; you see traded Dobbin off yes.
te1Aaays even up, for d horse worth two of
him.
The deacon looked little disappointed,
but seon Uncovered his eqaanimity.
4Wca. If you've made As good trade
az you say there's 10 harm done. for the
horse / bought | got AZ bargain. He's
the very image Of Dobbin, but worsh
taore money. The pair would have made
q splendid match.
They hurried thzoagh iheir breakfast
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