"Getting ready, I see," said the Texan. "I have bought you a horse–the best in this whole section; I gave three hundred dollars. There is your change."
"Keep the two hundred to buy stores with for our trip," said Pond.
"No need of it I've laid in all the stores we need. You can buy yourself a couple of blankets and an India-rubber for wet weather. A couple of tin cans of pepper and salt is all that I lay in when I'm going to rough it on the plains. The man that can't kill all the meat he needs isn't fit to go there."
"Maybe you're right. The less we are burdened the better for our horses. Are we likely to meet Indians on the route?"
"None that will hurt me–or you, when you're in my company. The Sioux know me and will do me no harm."
"That is good. The Indians were my only dread."
"I've a favor to ask."
"It is granted before you ask it–what is it?"
"I want to break your horse to the saddle before you try it. You are not so used to the saddle, I reckon, as I am. I will take a ride at sunset, and bring him around here for you to look at."
"That is right. I am only thankful to have you ride him first, though you may find me a better rider than you think!"