John saw him start, and saw that two urchins, viz. the post boy and the boots, stuck a stick under his tail, which seldom fell off until the old gentleman had had quite enough of the kicking. But once the stick dropped, the old horse went quiet enough. When Sir Abraham was gone, John came from his dormitory, and soon put this question to the lads: "Why do you treat that old gentleman in this shabby way?" "Vy, sar, because he is a shabby, crusty old fellow, and treats all the sarvents of the hestablishment in the shabbiest vay. He pays for his bed, and for his 'orse's bed,--for his board, and his 'orse's board,--but he never gives Sal anything, vat beds him up at night, nor Bill anything, vat beds his 'orse up,--nor me anything, vat cleans his old boots for him; so ve just shows him vun of our tricks upon travellers: that's all, and sarves him right." This was told to the Doctor, who, the next time he saw Sir Abraham, said to him: "Sir Abraham, you will forgive my honesty; but, if you wish to cure your horse of kicking at the Royal Oak, you must know how to be penny wise, and pay the chambermaid, the hostler, and the boots. I am sure you will never be pound foolish." Sir Abraham took the hint, and the horse never kicked again at the King Charles in the Oak. To all their dues, let no man flinch to pay, If he would prosper in an honest way; Customs are good, if carried not too far, And a good custom, oft prevents a jar; Sir Abraham's horse no more gave out his kicks, Nor John nor Bill on travellers played tricks. CHAPTER VII. _How to prevent a Horse slipping his Girth._ "My dear Gambado," said Lord Rosier to the Doctor, "I know not how I shall ever repay you for your good advice. I am your debtor, for two things; first for inducing me to take up horseback exercise again, and then for recommending me to your friend John Tattsall, who has furnished me with a most excellent trotter, and one that does one good to ride it." "I am glad to hear it, my Lord: but to what purpose is your visit to me this morning? You look the picture of health; I hope nothing is the matter." "Oh! dear no! Nothing is the matter with me; but, I thought I might, without any intentional offence, just call and speak to you about the horse. I hope I do not offend." "By no means, my Lord; pray go on. Your Lordship will not impute to me any thing wrong in the character of the horse?" [Illustration] "By no means, Doctor; by no means. I only sought your advice, because I thought you so skillful that you could get me into the right method of treating a horse." "Humph!" This was the first direct slap at the Doctor's _veterinary powers_. He had a request from York to bring with him a _veterinary surgeon_; but he was now consulted by a British nobleman about the treatment of a horse. Well, thought the Doctor, let us hear the complaint; for after all it may be the fault of the rider more than of the beast.