“Yes. He recommended him highly for that, and told me he had no serious defect.”
“Are you sure this is the horse?” asked Herbert.
“Certainly. I am not likely to be mistaken in it. I suppose it is all as he says?”
Herbert was in a perplexing position. He knew that if he told the truth he should incur Abner Holden's anger, but his conscience revolted at suffering the stranger to be taken in, and thus, perhaps, exposing his wife to serious danger.
“I am afraid I cannot confirm what Mr. Holden says,” he answered, reluctantly. “The horse is very ill-tempered, and is blind of one eye.”
“Is it possible? Then I have had a narrow escape. You have done me a good service, my boy, in telling me the truth, for I am, myself, unused to horses, and should have taken the animal on your employer's recommendation. Accept this acknowledgment of my indebtedness.”
He would have placed a five-dollar bill in Herbert's hand, but our hero firmly refused to receive it.
“I have only done my duty, sir. I cannot accept money for doing that. Thank you all the same.”
“Perhaps you are right, my lad. If I ever have a chance to serve you, don't hesitate to let me know it.”
“There'll be a storm if Mr. Holden hears of this,” thought Herbert. “But I could not do otherwise.”