Page:Scots piper's queries , or, John Falkirk's caraches.pdf/23

 Roger entering the house, drunk a pint of ale with all possible speed; and then informed the servant Mr Holdforth and he had agreed to ride sped and spell or what is otherwise called ride and tye a method practised in the country when two go together and have but one horse between them, one riding first and leaving the horse at a place appointed: or if neither of them knew the way tying him to the door of some public house, in such a manner as the other must absolutely see it; and describing to the people of the house, the person they are to deliver the horse to; in this manner they proceed during the whole journey.

Roger having got possession of Aminadab's horse rode it to the town where the justice of the peace lived and struck up a bargain with a great deal of expedition and sold it; then waited at the justice's door for the Quaker.

Poor Aminadab whose corpulence was no great friend to his walking in a short time after came puffing and blowing towards the justice's. Roger immediately informed him, that being very much tired by the journey, and seeing his horse stand idle at a door, he had made bold to use him: and finding a chap who was willing to give a good price for him he readily sold him, thinking it a sin to refuse a good offer; and therefore hoped he would not take it ill what he had done,

Upon hearing this the Quaker was in a great passion; and said, "Thou villain! what after