It was about an hour afterwards that Tifto returned, and on this
occasion a groom from the stables, and the young Lord's own
servant, and two or three other men were with him. Tifto had been
made to understand that the news was about to be communicated,
must be communicated by himself, whether his Lordship were angry
or not. Indeed, after what had been done his Lordship's anger was
not of much moment. In his present visit he was only carrying out
the pleasant little plan which had been arranged for him by
Captain Green. 'What the mischief is up?' said Silverbridge,
rising in his bed.
Then Tifto told his story, sullenly, doggedly, but still in a
perspicuous manner, and with words which admitted of no doubt. But
before he told the story he had excluded all but himself and the
groom. He and the groom had taken the horse out of the stable, it
being the animal's nature to eat his corn better after a slight
exercise, and while doing so a nail had been picked up.
'Is it much?' asked Silverbridge, jumping still higher in his bed.
Then he was told that it was very much,--that the iron had driven
itself into the horse's frog, and that there was actually no
possibility that the horse should be run that day.
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