Never before did Dad show himself such an expert in dissimulation. He
shook his head knowingly, and enquired of Donovan if he would take the
horse for nothing.

"Split the difference, then--make it six-ten?"

Dad rose and looked out the window.

"There he is now," he remarked sadly, "in the gully there."

"Well, what's it to be--six-ten or nothing?" renewed Donovan.

"All right, then," Dad replied, demurely, "take him!"

The money was paid there and then and receipts drawn up. Then, saying
that Mick would come for the horse on the day following, and after
offering a little gratuitous advice on seed-wheat and pig-sticking, the
Donovans left.

Mick came the next day, and Dad showed him Farmer, under the bushes. He
was n't dead, because when Joe sat on him he moved. "There he is,"
said Dad, grinning.

Mick remained seated on his horse, bewildered-looking, staring first at
Farmer, then at Dad.

"Well?" Dad remarked, still grinning. Then Mick spoke feelingly.

"YOU SWINDLING OLD CRAWLER!" he said, and galloped away. It was well for