'Well, where is the other horse, the gray, that your mistress always drives when alone?'
'He is at the veterinary surgeons, sir.—I took him there last Monday and he is to be blistered for two weeks off and on, sir.'
'Well, Thomas, as the coachman of the family, I ask you what can be done.
'I must go out to-night. Can you suggest anything?'
'Nothing but to hire a hack, sir.'
'That's a very good idea, how far is the livery stable from here?'
'Just next to where I live, sir. I can get one in a minute, sir.'
Oh! so cheerfully.
'Very well, Thomas, just harness the two bays and ride down there and put them to one. Tell the livery stable keeper that I wish it, and will pay for the use of it.'
'But, sir, it is——'