"He looks it," Philip agreed. "I should keep well out of reach of his heels and jaws."
"He is quiet enough when I am on his back," Francois laughed; "but I own that he is the terror of the stable boys.
"This is Victor. He is not quite as handsome as Rollo, but he has speed and courage and good manners."
"He is a beautiful creature," Philip said enthusiastically. "I was very well satisfied with my purchase, but he will not show to advantage by the side of Victor."
"Ah, I see they have put him in the next stall," Francois said.
"He is a fine animal, too," he went on, after examining the horse closely. "He comes from Gascony, I should say. He has signs of Spanish blood."
"Yes, from Gascony or Navarre. I was very fortunate in getting him," and he related how the animal had been left at La Rochelle.
"You got him for less than half his value, Philip. What are you going to call him?"
"I shall call him Robin. That was the name of my favourite horse, at home.
"I see you have got some stout animals in the other stalls, though of course they are of a very different quality to your own."