Homesteading 



who, like us, can't afford horses. You see," I 

 continued, " they don't need oats, which we 

 should have to buy for horses, until we have 

 grown some — prairie grass and hay are sufficient ; 

 then their steady, slow pull is very suitable for 

 breaking, and the risk of loss is much less ; 

 and finally, when you have done with them, you 

 can eat them." 



" If you want to, delicious," said he ; " but 

 I am learning." 



Bob, as we had begun to call the owner of the 

 oxen, now joined us, and remarked, " Well, you 

 have seen what they can do ; what do you think 

 of them ? " 



" Depends on the price," said I. 



" Well, now, I'll talk straight," he replied. 

 "I brought them in to sell, and a butcher has 

 offered me one hundred and eighty dollars cash, 

 and I can't afford to let them go for less, and 

 could get more on time, but I want the money, 

 and if you will give me the same they are yours." 



I looked at Tom, who nodded. 



" About the harness ? " said I. 



" That goes with them," he replied, and added : 

 " The black one is not as free as the other, and 

 wants keeping up, but you will find them all right." 



" Well, you seem to talk fair, and I guess we'll 

 take them," said I ; and so we came into posses- 



44 



