“I subjoin a statistical account of the career of Latch-key, showing the difference between buying and selling.
| Foaled in 1828. | ||
| Sold in 1833 | £120 | |
| Repurchased 1838 | £80 | |
| Sold in 1838 | 200 | |
| Repurchased 1841 | 37 | |
| Sold in 1842 | 75 | |
| Repurchased 1845 | 25 | |
| Sold in 1846 | 75 | |
| Repurchased 1850 | 35 | |
| £470 | £177 |
“So that this horse returned to me, in his sales and purchases in the course of twenty-two years, a net sum of two hundred and ninety-three pounds! We make no mystery as to his age, since money would no longer buy him; but during his career as a marketable animal, Latch-key chanced to be never more than ‘eight years old!’ He is now twenty-seven, and a cleverer animal could not be found.”
As my host finished his account of the career of his now old favourite, Latch-key confirmed it with a whinny, accompanied, however, by a significant shake of his head, which might have implied: “I wouldn’t trust you, even now, if a good offer came in your way!”
[CHAPTER XI.]
The Coach and Horses (sign of)—Beware of bog spirits—Tell that to the Marines—An early breakfast—Salmon poaching with lights—Am I the man? or, the day of judgment—Acquittal!
