A Valid Reason

(For Horse Not Doing Mile in 2:20)

A VALID REASON. – Uncle Peter, an inveterate horse-dealer, was one day called upon by an amateur of the “equine” in search of “something fast.”

“There,” said Uncle Peter, pointing to an animal in a meadow below the house; “there, sir, is a mare yonder who would trot her mile in two minutes and twenty seconds were it not for one thing?” –

“Indeed!” said the amateur. –

“Yes,” continued Uncle Peter; “she is four years old this spring, is in good condition, looks well, and is a first-rate mare; and she can go a mile in 2:20, were it not for one thing!” –

“Well, what is it?” was the query. –

“That mare,” resumed Uncle Peter, “is in every way a good piece of property; she has a heavy mane, switch-tail, trots square and fair, and yet there is one thing only why she can’t for a mile in 2:20.” –

“What in the name of Old Harry is it then?” cried the amateur impatiently. –

“The distance is too great for the time.” Was the old wag’s reply.