"There was a very dreadful smash-up of the house of Elliott, Mr. Burleson. If you feel a bit friendly towards that house, you will advise me how I may sell 'The Witch.' I don't mind telling you why. My father has simply got to go to some place where rheumatism can be helped--be made bearable. I know that I could easily dispose of the mare if I were in a civilized region; even Grier offered half her value. If you know of any people who care for that sort of horse, I'll be delighted to enter into brisk correspondence with them." "I know a man," observed Burleson, deliberately, "who would buy that mare in about nine-tenths of a second." "Oh, I'll concede him the other tenth!" cried the girl, laughing. It was the first clear, care-free laugh he had heard from her--and so fascinating, so delicious, that he sat there silent in entranced surprise. "About the value of the mare," she suggested, diffidently, "you may tell your friend that she is only worth what father paid for her--" "Good Lord!" he said, "that's not the way to sell a horse!" "Why not? Isn't she worth that much?" "What did your father pay for her?" The girl named the sum a trifle anxiously. "It's a great deal, I know--" "It's about a third what she's worth," announced Burleson. "If I were you, I'd add seventy-five per cent., and hold out like--like a demon for it." "But I cannot ask more than we paid--" "Why not?" "I--don't know. Is it honorable?" They looked at each other for a moment, then he began to laugh. To her surprise, she felt neither resentment nor chagrin, although he was plainly laughing at her. So presently she laughed, too, a trifle uncertainly, shy eyes avoiding his, yet always returning curiously. She did not know just why; she was scarcely aware that she took pleasure in this lean-faced young horseman's company. "I have always believed," she began, "that to sell anything for more than its value was something as horrid as--as usury." "Such a transaction resembles usury as closely as it does the theory of Pythagoras," he explained; and presently their laughter aroused the workmen, who looked up, leaning on spade and pick. "I cannot understand," she said, "why you make such silly remarks or why I laugh at them. A boy once affected me in the same way--years ago." She sat up straight, a faint smile touching her mouth and eyes. "I think that my work is about ended here, Mr. Burleson. Do you know that my pupils are enjoying a holiday--because you choose to indulge in a forest-fire?" He strove to look remorseful, but he only grinned. "I did not suppose you cared," she said, severely, but made no motion to rise. Presently he mentioned the mare again, asking if she really desired to sell her; and she said that she did. "Then I'll wire to-night," he rejoined. "There should be a check for you day after to-morrow." "But suppose the man did not wish to buy her?" "No chance of that. If you say so, the mare is sold from this moment."