“‘Yes, Jud,’ said I, ‘I’ve knowed real hones’ hoss traders to make bad breaks of that kind, now and then—honest intentions an’ all that, but bad judgment,’—sez I—‘an’ I’ll cut it short by sayin’ that I’ll just give you two an’ a half if you’ll match that no-count wind-broken black as you thort that you swapped me.’
“‘Do you mean it?’ said Jud, solemn-like.
“‘I’ll make a bond to that effect,’ I said solemnly.
“Jud went off thoughtful. In a week or so he come back. He hung aroun’ a while an’ said:
“‘I was up in the country the other day, an’ do you kno’ I saw a dead match for yo’ black? Only a little slicker an’ better lookin’—same star an’ white hind foot. As nigh like him as one black-eyed pea looks like another.’
“‘Jud,’ I said, ‘I never did see two hosses look exactly alike. You’re honestly mistaken.’
“‘They ain’t a hair’s difference,’ he said. ‘He’s a little slicker than yours—that’s all—better groomed than the one in yo’ barn.’
“‘I reckon he is,’ said I, for I knew very well there wa’n’t none in my barn. ‘That’s strange,’ I went on, ‘but you kno’ what I said.’
“‘Do you still hold to that offer?’ he axed.
“‘I’ll make bond with my daddy-in-law on it,’ I said.