Chilton is reported as having told of an earlier horse-trade of mine.

As he told the story, there was a Mr.Ralston living within a few miles of the village, who owned a colt which I very much wanted.

My father had offered twenty dollars for it, but Ralston wanted twenty-five.

I was so anxious to have the colt, that after the owner left, I begged to be allowed to take him at the price demanded.
My father yielded, but said twenty dollars was all the horse was worth, and told me to offer that price; if it was not accepted I was to offer twenty-two and a half, and if that would not get him, to give the twenty-five.

I at once mounted a horse and went for the colt.