'
'I know they do,' replied Mr. Sponge, 'I know they do; but I like a horse
that requires a little riding. Now this is too much of a made horse--too
much of what I call an old man's horse, for me. Bullfrog, whom I bought him
of, is very fat--eats a great deal of venison and turtle--all sorts of good
things, in fact--and can't stand much tewing in the saddle; now, I rather
like to feel that I am on a horse, and not in an arm-chair.'
'He's a fine horse,' observed Mr. Thornton.
'So he ought,' replied Mr. Sponge; 'I gave a hatful of money for him--two
hundred and fifty golden sovereigns, and not a guinea back. Bullfrog's the
biggest screw I ever dealt with.'
That latter observation was highly encouraging to Thornton. It showed that
Mr. Sponge was not one of your tight-laced dons, who take offence at the
mere mention of 'drawbacks,' but, on the contrary, favoured the supposition
that he would do the 'genteel,' should he happen to be a seller.
'Well, if you should feel disposed to part with him, perhaps you will have
the kindness to let me know,' observed Mr.
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