"'She's a knowin' beast. She'd be smart enough to laugh at my jokes an' I wouldn't wonder.'
"He was immensely pleased with this idea of his. Then, turning serious, he asked if I would sell her.
"'You couldn't afford to own that mare,' I said.
"I had touched his vanity. In fact I did not realize how much he had made by his overcharging. He was better able to own her than I and that he proposed to show me.
"He offered for her another horse and a sum which caused me to take account of my situation. The money would be a help to me. However, I shook my head. He increased his offer.
"'What do you want of her?" I asked.
"'I've always wanted to own a hoss like that,' he answered.
"'I intended to keep the mare,' said I. 'But if you will treat her well and give her a good home I shall let you have her.'
"'A man who likes a good joke will never drive a spavined hoss,' he answered merrily.
"So it happened that the mare Nancy fell into the hands of Reuben Smith."