The would-be purchaser was dry.
"I want a soul I can ride."
Van looked him over critically.
"Think you could ride my cayuse?"
"This broach?" said the man. "Surest thing you know."
"I need the money," Van admitted. "I'll bet you the pony against your two hundred you can't."
"You're on."
Van called to his friend, the man who ran the yard.
"Come over here, Charlie, and hold the stakes. Here's a man who wants to ride my horse."
Charlie came, heard the plan of the wager, accepted the money, and watched Van throw on the saddle.