The latter, far from pronouncing a machine of which he wishes to dispose "a genuine antique," will assure you--and not always with a strict regard for truth--that it is "practically as good as new." Or compare the seller of antiques with the horse dealer.

Can you imagine the latter's taking you up to some venerable quadruped--let alone a three-year-old--and discoursing upon its merits in some such manner as the following: "This is the oldest and most historic horse that has ever come into my possession.

Just look at it, sir! The farmer of whom I bought it assured me that it was brought over by his ancestors in the _Mayflower_.

The place where I found it was used as Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War, and it is known that Washington himself frequently sat on this very horse.

It was a favorite of his.