CHAPTER V.
A FAIR START The name of the coachman was John Manly; he had a wife and one child, and lived in the coachman's cottage, near the stables.
[Illustration] The next morning he took me into the yard and gave me a good grooming, and just as I was going into my box, with my coat soft and bright, the squire came in to look at me, and seemed pleased.

"John," he said, "I meant to have tried the new horse this morning, but I have other business.

You may as well take him around after breakfast; go by the common and the Highwood, and back by the water-mill and the river; that will show his paces." "I will, sir," said John.

After breakfast he came and fitted me with a bridle.

He was very particular in letting out and taking in the straps, to fit my head comfortably; then he brought a saddle, but it was not broad enough for my back; he saw it in a minute, and went for another, which fitted nicely.