We traded our carriage for it and a cheap saddle and bridle. When we came to look the carriage over we found an iron brace broken, and the bargain was, that we were to take it back to town and pay for getting it repaired, and then leave it in care of the landlord.
We started back, the landlord and myself walking and leading the colt, while Frank drove our horse and buggy.
When we reached the young farmer's place above-mentioned, he came out to the gate; and after we were several rods past the house, called to the landlord, who went back.
I noticed that the farmer talked in a very loud tone till the landlord got close to him, when he then spoke very low.
Just then Frank came driving up, when I said:
"There's something in the wind. I'll bet that farmer has talked with some one since we went up there, who has told him about the patent-right deal."
I then explained the actions of the farmer. Frank said it did look a little suspicious, but thought it might possibly be a mistake. As a matter of caution Frank drove on to the hotel, where he unhitched the horse, and prepared to start on horseback as soon as we arrived with the colt, which I was to ride.
