"
But the Fizzer was a dangerous subject to joke with. "So I've noticed,"
he shouted as, improving on Mac's ogle, he singled him out from the
company, then dropping his voice to an insinuating drawl he challenged
him to have a deal.
Instantly the Sanguine Scot became a Canny Scot, for Mac prided himself
on a horse-deal. And as no one had yet got the better of the Fizzer the
company gathered round to enjoy itself.
"A swop," suggested the Fizzer, and Mac agreeing with a "Right ho!" a
preliminary hand-shake was exchanged before "getting to business"; and
then, as each made a great presence of mentally reviewing his team, each
eyed the other with the shrewdness of a fighting cock.
"My brown mare!" Mac offered at last, and knowing the staunch little
beast, the homestead wondered what Mac had up his sleeve.
We explained our suspicions in asides to the travellers, but the Fizzer
seemed taken by surprise. "By George!" he said. "She's a stunner! I've
nothing fit to put near her excepting that upstanding chestnut down
there."
The chestnut was standing near the creek-crossing, and every one knowing
him well, and sure of that "something" up Mac's sleeve, feared for the
Fizzer as Mac's hand came out with a "Done!" and the Fizzer gripped it
with a clinching "Right ho!"
Naturally we waited for the denouement, and the Fizzer appearing
unsuspicious and well-pleased with the deal, we turned our attention to
the Sanguine Scot.
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