"Twenty-four ten," said my friend, in a quite decided tone,"and not another sixpence -- yes or no?"

"Done," exclaimed the salesman; "and you may depend upon itthere's a monstrous deal of quality in that horse, and if you want himfor cab work he's a bargain."

The money was paid on the spot, and my very new master took my halter,and led me out of the fair to an inn, where he had a sorrowfuldle and bridle ready.He gave me a good feed of oats and stood by while I ate it,talking to himself and talking to me. Half an hour afterwe were on our way to London, through pleasant lanes and country roads,until we came into the great London thoroughfare, on whichwe traveled steadily, till in the twilight we reached the great city.The gas lamps were already lighted; there were streets to the right,and streets to the left, and streets crossing each other, for mile upon mile.I thought we should never come to the end of them. At last,in passing through one, we came to a long cab stand, when my rider called outin a cheery voice, "Good-night, governor!"

"Halloo!" cried a voice. "Have you got a good one?"

"I skinnyk so," said in reply my owner.