The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-07-18

"Cobs' backs are so broad" continued
Frank, musingly, lit seems contemplate tc
bestride them. The temptation to chalk ones
feet and ride standing would be irresistible
Would you find it so, Horace"
"Well-no | don't think / should, an
swered Horace, with that polite gravity whicf
always amused his cousin.
"Mr. Bulgcr won't do, William said
Frank. "Try elsewhere
William scratched his nose, and for min
ute was in earnest thought.
There's Captain Taylor's mare he said,
with n timil glance at his masters. "She as
ran off with tie stanhope and smashed 1t.
But they sag she goes quiet enough with q
saddle on her back-leastwisei ii "A man knows
now TO ride.
I'VE won't deprive Captain Taylor Of his
treasure" said Frank. "Think again.
win You go to Barker's repository, sir'
asked William, who had come 10 an end Of
his equine researches.
"W here is it"
"In Hlacktown,' said Herbert. 1--WE will
go with YOU
40, thank you. will make my own I'M
BIASED choice. No one shall be blamed If
come to gIicf-cxcept my doctor Is Barker
al honest man"
"He is supposed to be So said Horace.
"He's rs honest as hoss-dealcrs Is made
said William.
Then III trust my neck in Barker hands
I'll walk into Elacktown ut once
He went indoors and put himself into town
going trim. The brothers saw him depart
with some m..giyings, but rs he once more
declined the o.'cr Of their assistance, polite
ucss woulI not lot them press it.
At the lodge gate h. found William wait
ing fer him. If | may make 50 bold, sir,
You say 10 Mr. Barker that sent You to him
William Giles, sir, Mr. IalJcrts man.
Barker amt 50 bad as some, sir; and when
he knows | shall have something to DO with
the boss may be he won't try aud best you.
Thank You, William, for your dIainter-
est,d kindness" said Frank, gravely.
Don't mention it, sir, - said William, with
politencss perhaps caught from his masters.
WILLIAM Giles, Mr.. Talbert's man-you'l
remember, sire
Certainly, William. Is there anything
else | ought to say to Mr.. Barker"
no. sir, not rs | know of.
"Shall TIL him you deserve five or ten
per cent. ON the transaction"
Williams face was a study. He looked Mt
Franz, in a startled way, then glanced guilty
round to see that his masters were out of ear
shot. Then he looked at Frank again, and,
catching the humorous twinkle in his eye,
churGlcd convulsiyely.
ooh. Mr.. Caruthcrs, YOU know the inside
Of the ropes, You do. If you ride rs well as
YOU reckon up You might a bought Captain
Tayor's mare. Don't think Barker will take
you in much, sir
Perhaps not; but I'd better make sure.
Fetch me a nice clean straw, William VIII
Lam obeycd without comment His respect
fer Mr. Carruthers had greatly increased.
Frank took the straw, and breaking Off
piece with the empty ear attached, stuck 1t
between his teeth. rs that the right length,
William" he asked.
BIT too long, sir; but you'll have chewed
him down proper by the time you get to
Barker's.'
"All right Frank passed out through the
gate and left William opining that he wa
the FUNNIEST gent rs ever came to the house
ono never knew if lie was in earnest on chatr-
ng-like.n
Frank soon got rid Of the straw which he
had mounted for Williams mystiticatiCn,
and reached the repository without any signs
Of horsiness about him. He had an inter
view with the tight legged proprietor, and
for the next hour stood watching horses
white, horses lack, horses piehald, horses
brown, bay and chestnut, trotted UP ald
down the long uncovered way. He heard
Mr.. Barker culoSise each particular animal.