“All right,” said Carl Meadows, grinning at his son. “Where did that real Texas cow pony come from?”
“I traded for him,” said Jim proudly.
“You did what?”
“Traded for him.”
“Traded what?” asked Jim’s father.
“My gold watch. I got the horse, a halter and a bridle, all for my watch.”
Mr. Meadows said nothing, but the grin vanished. Very slowly and grimly he got out of the car and walked toward the horse. Mrs. Meadows and Jean followed, all gathering in front of the mustang. Ticktock stopped grazing and looked up inquiringly at his suddenly large audience.
“You traded your grandfather’s gold watch for that,” Mr. Meadows asked finally, with a contemptuous wave of his hand toward the horse.
“Uh-uh.” Jim sensed that matters were rapidly becoming difficult, so he tried to ease the situation as much as he could. “He’s the smartest horse you ever saw.”
“I don’t know how smart the horse is,” said his father, “but I’m beginning to have some doubts about you, Jim. I gave you that watch because I thought you would take care of it and appreciate it.”