“'I'll make a bond to that effect,' I said solemnly.
“Jud went off thoughtful. In a week or so he come back. He hung aroun' a while an' said:
“'I was up in the country the other day, an' do you kno' I saw a dead match for yo' black? Only a little slicker an' better lookin'—same star an' white hind foot. As nigh like him as one black-eyed pea looks like another.'
“'Jud,' I said, 'I never did see two hosses look exactly alike. You're honestly mistaken.'
“'They ain't a hair's difference,' he said. 'He's a little slicker than yours—that's all—better groomed than the one in yo' barn.'
“'I reckon he is,' said I, for I knew very well there wa'n't none in my barn. 'That's strange,' I went on, 'but you kno' what I said.'
“'Do you still hold to that offer?' he axed.
“'I'll make bond with my daddy-in-law on it,' I said.
“'Nuff said,' an' Jud was gone. The next day he came back leading the black, slicker an' hence no-counter than ever, if possible.
“'Look at him,' he said proudly—'a dead match for yourn. Jes' han' me that two an' a half an' take him. You now have a team worth a thousan'.'