"Oh, nothing much," answered the other. "Thought being as you were a cowman it might interest you some."
"It does," replied the boy almost sharply.
"Well, guess the rest, then," laughed the stranger. "Where'd you get that pony?"
"Is that not rather a personal question?" asked Ned, smiling coldly.
"Not in this country. Kinder reminded me of a nag that belonged to me. He strayed away from my ranch a few weeks ago," said the fellow significantly.
"It wasn't this pony," retorted Ned, flushing. "I bought this animal.
Good day, sir, I must be getting along."
"In a hurry, ain't ye?"
"I am," answered Ned, touching the spurs to the pony's sides and galloping off.
"Hey, hold on a minute," called the stranger.
"Can't. In too much of a hurry," replied Ned.