Here's an Appalachian version that I got from a singer from there but I can;t remember now where she was from.

There was an old man and he had one son
To make his living and his name was John
'Go get that cow and take her to the fair
She's in good order and fine repair'

Chorus: Right tether. Tither come a-rye tiny-oh

John went to the fair and he met 3 men
And there sold the cow for three score and ten
A young lady dressed in silk so fine
Sewed the money in his coat line.

Up jumped a highwayman, looking so bold
Said 'Give me your money, your silver and gold'
The robber drew out his big long life
Saying 'Give me your money or your sweet life'

John took the money from the lining of his coat
And all about the green grass threw it all about
While the highway robber was picking up the loss
John jumped on and road off with his horse.

He rode till he came to his father's door
There stood the old man to jump on the floor
Saying 'Where did you get the horse, pray tell?'
'I swapped it for the cow that I went to sell.'

There are loads of versions on the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library site. The Danny Brazil version was recorded by Puzzlejug.

Tradsinger

The saddlebags were opened, there to behold
Five hundred dollars in silver and gold.
A fine pair of pistols, well to compare
'Daddy, don't you think I sold the cow well at the fair.'