You write to him and ask him if that ain't so." And so Butterwick put his phenomenal horse in his stable, hired an Irishman to take care of it, and possessed his soul in peace.

However, before he fairly had a chance to enjoy his purchase, he was summoned to St.Louis to look after some business matters, and he was detained there for about six weeks.

During his absence Mrs.Butterwick assumed the responsibility for the management of the horse; and as she knew as much about taking care of horses as she did about conducting the processes of the sidereal system, the result was that Mr.Butterwick's horse was the unconscious parent of infinite disaster.

When Butterwick returned and had kissed his wife and talked over his journey, the following conversation ensued.

Mrs.Butterwick said, "You know our horse, dearest ?" "Yes, sweet; how is he getting along ?" "Not so _very_ well; he has cost a great deal of money since you've been away." "Indeed ?" "Yes; besides his regular feed and Patrick's wages as hostler, I have on hand unpaid bills to the amount of two thousand dollars on his account." "Two thousand! Why, Emma, you amaze me! What on earth does it mean ?" "I'll tell you the whole story, love.