'Well, where "ignorance is bliss," &c.,' replied Sponge, with another
great puff, which nearly blinded Jawleyford. 'Get on, and let's see how he
goes,' added he, passing on to the piebald as he spoke.
Mr. Jawleyford then mounted; and having settled himself into a military
seat, touched the old screw with the spur, and set off at a canter. The
piebald, perhaps mistaking the portico for a booth, and thinking it was a
good place to exhibit it, proceeded to die in the most approved form; and
not all Sponge's 'Come-up's' or kicks could induce him to rise before he
had gone through the whole ceremony. At length, with a mane full of gravel,
a side well smeared, and a 'Wilkinson & Kidd' sadly scratched, the
_ci-devant_ actor arose, much to the relief of the village lad, who having
indulged in a gallop as he brought him from Lucksford, expected his death
would be laid at his door. No sooner was he up, than, without waiting for
him to shake himself, Mr. Soapey vaulted into the saddle, and seizing him
by the head, let in the Latchfords in a style that satisfied the hack he
was not going to canter in a circle.
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