'I would rather not sell it, said Johnny, after a few minutes' further thought.' It has taken me a great while to finish it, and I would rather not part with it, for the present, at least.'
'But, skin me, younker, I want to buy it! I'll give you a thousand dollars fur it, slap down.'
Although much less than the machine was really worth, yet it was a large offer, and the boy hesitated for a moment. But it was only for a moment, when he decidedly shook his head.
'I wish you wouldn't ask me, for I don't want to sell it, until I have had it some time. Besides, it isn't finished yet.'
'It ain't,' exclaimed Baldy, in surprise. 'Why, it works, what more do you want?'
'I've got to make a wagon to run behind it.'
'That's it, eh? I thought you war goin' to ride on its back. How much will it draw?'
'As much as four horses, and as fast as they can run.'
The hunter was half wild with excitement. The boy's delight was never equal to one-half of his.
'Skulp me ag'in, ef that don't beat all! It's jest the thing for the West; we'll walk through the Injins in the tallest kind of style, and skear 'em beautiful. How long afore you'll have it done?'