Round About the Carpathians by Andrew F. Crosse
page 22 of 273 (08%)
page 22 of 273 (08%)
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some reluctance I took my hat and followed my friend to interview a
Wallack who had heard that I was a likely purchaser, and brought an animal to show me. It would not do at all, arid we dismissed him. A little later we went out into the town, and I thought there was a horse-fair; I should think we met a dozen people at least who came up to accost me on the subject of buying a horse. And such a collection of animals!--wild colts from the Pustza that had never been ridden at all, and other ancient specimens from I know not where, which could never be ridden again--old, worn-out roadsters. There were two or three good horses, but they were only fit for harness. I was so bothered every time I put my nose out of doors by applications from persons anxious to part with their property in horse-flesh, that I wished I had kept my intentions locked in my own breast. I was pestered for days about this business. There was an old Jew who came regularly to the house three times a-day to tell me of some other paragon that he had found. When he saw that it was really of no use, he then complained loudly that I had wasted his precious time, that he had given up every other occupation for the sake of finding me a horse. I dismissed this Jew, telling him pretty sharply to go about his own business for once, adding that nothing should induce me to buy a horse in Oravicza. One day H---- informed me that he was going over to Servia on a matter of business, and if I liked to accompany him, I should see something of the country, and perhaps I might find there a horse to suit me. The Servian horses are said to be a useful breed, strong though small, and very enduring for a long march. I was very ready for the expedition, so we hired a _leiterwagen_, which is in fact a long cart with sides like a ladder, peculiarly suitable for |
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