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50 you prove that I groomed the beasts last? I'll give you a crown to do it."

The wise Mac Grawler pricked up his ears.

"A crown!" said he,—"a crown! do you mean to insult me, Mr. Pepper? but, to be sure, you did see to the horses last, and this worthy gentleman, Mr. Tomlinson, must remember it too."

"How, I?" cried Augustus; "you are mistaken, and I'll give you half a guinea to prove it."

Mac Grawler opened his eyes larger and larger, as you may see a small circle in the water widen into enormity.

"Half a guinea!" said he; "nay, nay, you joke; I'm not mercenary, you think I am! pooh, pooh! you're mistaken; I'm a man who means weel, a man of veracity, and will speak the truth in spite of all the half guineas in the world. But certainly, now I begin to think of it, Mr. Tomlinson did see to the creatures last,—and, Mr. Pepper, it is your turn."

"A very Daniel!" said Tomlinson, chuckling in his usual dry manner.—"Ned, don't you hear the horses neigh?"

"Oh, hang the horses!" said the volatile