Physic was in vain,--advice, such as most men give, produced no cessation of anxiety. He became moody, sullen, morose, irritable, dogmatic, and all but absolutely irrational. His faculties were piercingly sound, his memory most acute, his legal knowledge clear, and his discovery of transgressions of law were every day displayed before his eyes, from those who rode in a coronetted barouche, to those who rode in a donkey cart. He loved, actually loved to make complaints, and to see the law carried out; and in petty acts of tyranny he was so absolute a persecutor, that he was a terror to all who lived around him. Generosity was never in his nature, neither did he ever pretend to teach it, or observe its laws. In fact, every one was considered by him as a weak fool, who did either a kind or generous act, beyond the positive obligation of the law. What happiness could such a man have in his retirement? His great happiness was the accumulation of money in the funds, and these occasioned him a momentary excitement. His friend, Samuel Ryecross, of Ryecross-house, Blackheath, advised him to consult Doctor Gambado. "Do you mean Gambado, the horse dealer?" "He is not a horse dealer." "I say he is a horse dealer, and ought to take out a licence for horse dealing. He does not do so, and I have half a mind to have him up, and bring him into court for cheating, defrauding, and robbing the government." "I think you must have been misinformed. I believe he is really a very clever, honest man, and gives good sound practical advice to all his patients." "Yes, so I have heard; and all of it is 'Ride on horseback.' If I went to consult him, I should only get that advice. I know it before hand, and have no inclination to throw away a guinea for it." "But is it bad advice in your case? would it not do you good to try it? Why, if you know his remedy, do you not pursue it?" "Because I do not think it would do me any good." "Well, you have tried a great many doctors. Let me drive you in my phaeton to Bread-street, and let us hear what the Doctor says." "Will you pay the Doctor?" "Yes, if you will follow his advice." "Done, we will go." They did go. The Doctor knew the man he had to deal with, and yet he had confidence in the horseback exercise as the best cure for him, and he told him so. "Have you got a horse that would suit me?" "There is a fine strong horse in my stables, that I think would suit you." "May we go and look at him?" "I will go with you." Samuel Ryecross was rather surprised; but Simon Deuce gave him a look, as much as to say, '_I told you he was a horse dealer_.' When they went to the stables, John Tattsall was there himself, and not being known to either of the gentlemen, they both supposed him to be the groom in the employ of Doctor Gambado. "John, I have brought a customer to look at the great brown horse. Is he at home?" "He is, sir; I will lead him out."