Two men sat down near Merry. They had been[Pg 292] dancing, and observed, with some lurid embellishments, that it was hot. Then one of them said something that interested Frank.
"Bill's goin' it a whole lot stiff to-night."
"That's whatever. Never saw him punish the razzle juice this way afore."
"You know why, mebbe."
"Waal, I opine he's some irked up over his mistake in Holbrook. First time he ever shot the wrong gent. He warn't gunnin' fer File. It was another galoot he was after."
"I jedge that's the matter with him. Bandy tried to joke him some about it, an' Bandy came mighty near gettin' his."
"Bandy's a dern fool! He should 'a' knowed better than to shoot off his mouth at Bill."
"I say so. But Bill he's a-playin' a right steep game in that thar gal business."
"Bill kin play his keerds. You let him alone."
"No danger o' me chippin' in. They say the gal's folks are a heap rich."