id price for the beast, an'
paid it in cash tae."
"Thank you for your good opinion; but in case the police should not find
those rascals before the vessel sails, it will be rather hard on you to
return home with empty pockets, so let me pay you in advance for that
horse."
It was quite a different-looking man that came out of the store a few
minutes later, for he had been refitted from hat to boots, and he looked
the well-to-do farmer to the life, even the well-filled purse was not
lacking, for Mr. Sherwood had given him the horse's value instead of the
modest sum the farmer stated as the selling price of his animal.
The polite store-keeper promised to send the farmer's cast-off garments to
the vessel, and Mr. Sherwood was soon introducing his friend to the members
of his household.
Mr. Sherwood's unexpected arrival made a joyful excitement, and the farmer
mentally resolved that an account of the happy meeting between the Yankee
horse-buyer and his family should be added to the rest of the story he had
to tell when once he arrived home.
When Mr. Sherwood had privately explained to the family the present
position of his new friend, together with the respectability of the family
and the kind treatment he had received from their hands, he was treated as
an honored guest, and Dexie had never been so gracious to the fastidious
Plaisted or treated him with half the courtesy as she now bestowed on the
honest, kind-hearted, though ignorant countryman.
That this kindness was appreciated was quite evident from the satisfaction
that beamed from every wrinkle on his honest face; and when he found
himself seated in the most comfortable chair in the parlor, listening to
the music that Dexie was bringing forth from the piano for his pleasure,
he doubted in his mind if even the Governor himself was as happy and
fortunate as he.
As the vessel was to sail the next day for Charlottetown, he had to leave
the pleasant rooms for closer quarters on board the vessel; but before he
said farewell he exacted a promise that, should any of them ever go to the
Island, they would visit his home on the north shore.
As the vessel was about to leave the wharf Mr. Sherwood appeared,
accompanied by a member of the police force, who gave over to the hand of
the farmer about half the sum which had been stolen from him, and the man
actually felt richer than when the whole amount had lain in his pocket. He
pressed Mr. Sherwood to accept paymen
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