"Trosachs Hotel, September 12.
"The bay horse, Bullfinch, is to be delivered, with clothing, &c., to Lord Mallow's groom.
"C. WINSTANLEY."
Vixen perused this paper with a countenance full of suppressed rage.
"Does your master give much money for this horse?" she asked, turning to the strange groom.
"I haven't heard how much, miss." Of course the man knew the sum to a penny. "But I believe it's a tidyish lot."
"I don't suppose I have as much money in the world," said Vixen, "or I'd buy my father's horse of Captain Winstanley, since he is so badly in want of money, and keep him at a farm."
"I beg your pardon, miss," said the groom, "but the hoss is sold. My master has paid his money. He is a friend of Captain Winstanley's. They met somewhere in Scotland the other day and my lord bought the hoss on hearsay; and I must say I don't think he'll be disappointed in him."
"Where are you going to take him?"
"Well, it's rather an awkward journey across country. We're going to Melton. My lord is going to hunt the hoss in October, if he turns out to my lord's satisfaction."
"You are going to take him by rail?"
"Yes, miss."