complain that there was no knowing where to have Tifto. And then,
they who were old enough in the world to have had some experience
in men, perceived that peculiar quality of his eyes, which never
allowed him to look anyone in the face.

That Major Tifto should make money by selling horses was, perhaps,
a necessity to his position. No one grumbled at him because he did
so, or thought that such a pursuit was incompatible with his
character as a sporting gentleman. But there were some who
considered that they had suffered unduly under his hands, and in
their bargains with him had been made to pay more than a proper
amount of tax for the advantages of his general assistance. When a
man has perhaps made fifty pounds by using a 'straight tip' as to
a horse at Newmarket, in doing which he had of course encountered
some risks, he feels he ought not be made to pay the amount back
into the pockets of the 'tipper', and at the same time to find
himself saddled with the possession of a perfectly useless animal.
In this way there were rocks in the course through which Tifto was
called on to steer his bark. Of course he was anxious, when
preying upon his acquaintances, to spare those who were useful
friends to him. Now and again he would sell a serviceable animal
at a fair price, and would endeavour to make such a sale in favour
of someone whose countenance would be a rock to him. He knew his
business well, but yet there would be mistakes.

Now, at this very moment, was the culmination of the Major's life.
He was Master of Runnymede Hounds, he was partner with the eldest
son of a Duke in the possession of that magnificent colt, the
Prime Minister, and he was a member of the Beargarden. He was a
man who had often been despondent about himself, but was now