A horse was seldom brought out of the stable to which no objection could be raised.

"There was dust in his hair;" "there was a twist in his reins;" "his mane did not lie straight;" "he had not been properly grained;" "his head did not look well;" "his fore-top was not combed out;" "his fetlocks had not been properly trimmed;" something was always wrong.

Listening to complaints, however groundless, Barney must stand, hat in hand, lips sealed, never answering a word.

He must make no reply, no explanation; the judgment of the master must be deemed infallible, for his power is absolute and irresponsible.

In a free state, a master, thus complaining without cause, of his ostler, might be told--"Sir, I am sorry I cannot please you, but, since I have done the best I can, your remedy is to dismiss me." Here, however, the ostler must stand, listen and tremble.