Page:Cuthbert Bede--Little Mr Bouncer and Tales of College Life.djvu/203

Rh protestations on the part of Mr. Pigg's man, who was jealous for the honour of his master's stables, Mr. Bouncer had the horse saddled, and rode him to Holywell Street. He found Mr. Verdant Green in front of Symonds's gateway, waiting there on foot, being fearful to mount his steed before his friend's arrival, lest the horse should become fidgety with waiting, and bring him to grief, untimely. But, the easy-chair bay mare was quickly produced, and the two friends went for their ride; nor did Verdant notice the state of Mr. Bouncer's half-clipped horse; but, then, the eyesight of Mr. Verdant Green was not particularly good.

They had turned their horses' heads in the direction of Oxford, on their way back home, when Charles Larkyns cantered up and joined them. He was mounted on that very hack of Tollitt's that was usually hired by Mr. Bouncer; and, after a few moments' scrutiny, as he reined in his horse by his friend's side, he said, "Why, you 've changed your horse since you started!"

"Indeed, I have n't," replied Mr. Bouncer. "Giglamps will tell you it 's the werry identical. There is no deception, my little dear."

"But," said Charles Larkyns, "though you did n't see me, I chanced to see you, just as you and Verdant had