nderneath it appeared a small sore. "There, that's the reason, and I'll
tell you the truth," said the man defiantly. "Here I am trying to sell
this darned critter; paid a cool hundred for him, and everybody says
jest as you do, won't buy him with the bridle on. Then I takes off the
bridle, and they sees this little bile, and there's an end to it. I
suppose it's the same with you. Well, good day, gentlemen. You're losin'
a darned good trade, but it ain't my fault. Here's an animal I paid a
cool hundred for, and I'm offering him for ninety. I'm ten dollars out,
besides my time."

"Let me see that sore again," said Gordon. He slipped the bridle and
examined the place carefully. Then he looked hard at the horse, which
stood with great docility, although he held his head proudly. He was a
fine beast, glossy black in color, and had a magnificent tail.

"Make it eighty-five," said Gordon.

"Couldn't think of it."

"I don't know as I want the horse anyway," said Gordon.

"I'll call it eighty-seven and a half," said the little red-haired man.

Gordon stood still for a moment. Then he pulled out his wallet.
"Eighty-six and call it square," he said.

"All right," said the red-haired man. "It's a-givin' of him away, but
I'm so darned tired of trampin' the country with him, that I'll call it
eighty-six, and it's the biggest bargain you ever got in your life in
the way of horse flesh. I wouldn't let him go at that figure, but my
wife's sick, and I want to get home."

The red-haired man carefully counted over the roll of bank-notes which
Doctor Gordon gave him, although it seemed to James that he used some
haste. He also thought that he was evidently anxious to be gone. He
refused Gordon's offer of breakfast, saying that he had already had some
at the hotel. Then he was gone, walking with uncommon speed for such a
small man. Aaron, James, and Doctor Gordon stood contemplating the new
purchase. James patted him. "He looks like a fine animal," he remarked.
Aaron shifted his quid, and said with emphasis, "Want me to hitch up and
bring that little red-haired cuss back?"

"Why, what for?" asked Doctor Gordon. "I guess I have made a good trade,
Aaron."

"You mark my words, there's somethin' out," said Aaron dogmatically.

"I guess you're wrong this time," said Doctor Gordon, laughing. "Come,
Elliot, it is time for breakfast, and we have to drive to Wardville
afterward for that fever case."

James followed Gordon into the dinin