“‘The Mayor has fine horses,’ said the nephew. ‘I must have two of them to-night, otherwise I am ruined forever.’
“The coachman refused to listen at first, but after a while he consented. He told his nephew that the stable-boy slept in the manger.
“‘I have a companion in my travels,’ said his nephew, ‘and to-night we shall come and take the horses away. My companion has short hair and a heavy hand. Close your eyes and cover your head with straw if you hear any outcry.’
“After a while the coachman and his nephew went out into the street again, and then Tip-Top came forth from the stable with the saddle on his head. The Mayor had just come in, and was standing at his window. He saw the man in the yard with the saddle on his head, and sent a servant to call him.
“‘What is your name?’ asked the Mayor.
“‘Tip-Top, your honor.’
“‘I didn’t ask after your health; I asked for your name,’ said the Mayor.
“‘It is Tip-Top, your honor.’
“‘Your name or your health?’
“‘Both, your honor.’