'It is sleek enough, any way!' 'It is as good as it looks,' I answered, a little nettled by his tone.
'There is a better here,' he responded.
'I don't see it,' I said.

I had already eyed the nags all round, and assured myself that, ugly and blemished as they were, they were up to their work.

But I had discerned no special merit among them.

I looked them over again now, and came to the same conclusion--that, except the led horses, which I had chosen with some care, there was nothing among them to vie with the Cid, either in speed or looks.

I told Fresnoy so.
'Would you like to try ?' he said tauntingly.
I laughed, adding, 'If you think I am going to tire our horses by racing them, with such work as we have before us, you are mistaken, Fresnoy.