"That's so."
"I hear you have some fat sheep."
"I have, but I don't think I'll sell them just now. Jack Stout was looking at them the other day, but he didn't offer enough for them."
"What did he offer?"
"Three cents a pound."
"Well, that's all they're bringing now."
"Yes. Well, I think I'll keep mine for a while longer. I have nothing else on the pasture since I sold my steers, and I don't think they'll get any cheaper."
"Funny that sheep aren't higher when pork is so dear. I am paying eight cents a pound for hogs just now."
Here followed a conversation on hogs that need not be reported, as it was not to the point. Finally the buyer volunteered:
"I'm making up a carload to-day and I'm a little short. If your sheep are good and fat I don't mind paying three and a quarter for them."