The plain fact was that he was frightened.
When the men were departing Bostil called Creech back into the sitting-room.

Creech appeared surprised, yet it was evident that he would have been glad to make friends with Bostil.
"What'll you take for the roan ?" Bostil asked, tersely,' as if he had never asked that before.
"Bostil, didn't we thresh thet out before--an' FELL out over it ?" queried Creech, with a deprecating spread of his hands.
"Wal, we can fall in again, if you'll sell or trade the hoss." "I'm sorry, but I can't." "You need money an' hosses, don't you ?" demanded Bostil, brutally.

He had no conscience in a matter of horse-dealing.
"Lord knows, I do," replied Creech.
"Wal, then, here's your chance.

I'll give you five hundred in gold an' Sarchedon to boot." Creech looked as if he had not heard aright.

Bostil repeated the offer.
"No," replied Creech.
"I'll make it a thousand an' throw Plume in with Sarch," flashed Bostil.
"No!" Creech turned pale and swallowed hard.
"Two thousand an' Dusty Ben along with the others ?" This was an unheard-of price to pay for any horse.