“If the price is any objection,” said Abner, insinuatingly, “I don't know but I might say a LEETLE less, though the animal's wuth more'n I ask for it.”
“It isn't the price that stands in the way, Mr. Holden.”
“What is it, then? Sam Nichols hain't been slandering me, I hope. If he has, I'll be even with him.”
“Spare your anger against Sam Nichols. He said nothing against you; though I believe you warned me against him.”
“Yes, I did. I felt it my duty to caution you, so you might not be overreached by him.”
“You prefer to overreach me yourself,” said the other, quietly.
Abner started, and changed color.
“What do you mean?” he said. “Who told you I wanted to overreach you?”
“Why, this is the way the matter stands. I asked you for a good family horse, such as my wife might drive with safety. Didn't you understand me so?”
“Of course.”