“I did. He was quiet then, but I've since suspected that he was doped. Anyhow, he nearly killed my hired man.”
Wilkinson laughed. “You had your trial and backed your judgment. Know more about machines than horses, don't you?”
“I didn't know the man I dealt with then. You warranted the brute good-tempered and easy to drive. I'll give you five dollars if you'll take him out of the stable and harness him now.”
“I haven't time,” said Wilkinson. “Didn't charge you high and guess you've got to pay for learning your business. The trouble is you're too sure about yourself and reckoned you'd make a splash at farming without much trouble. Anyhow, I don't want to sell Charnock a horse; he's a better judge than you.”
“He's not much judge of building lots. If your friend has got a safe snap, why do you want to let Charnock in?”
Wilkinson began to look impatient. “I came over to talk to Charnock, and if he likes the deal it's not your affair.”
“It is my affair if you stop him when he's helping me,” Festing rejoined. “If he's a fool, he'll talk to you some other time; if he's wise, he won't. Just now I'd sooner you drove off my farm.”
Wilkinson gave him a curious look. “Very well. I reckon the place is yours; or your wife's.” Then he turned to Charnock. “Are you coming over, Bob?”
“No,” said Charnock, irresolutely, “I don't think I will.”
He lighted his pipe when Wilkinson started his team, and presently remarked: “On the whole, I'm glad you headed him off, because I might have gone. You mean well, Stephen, but that man doesn't like you, and I've sometimes thought he doesn't like Sadie.”