The Cowboy smiled grimly.
"Good enough! Now get out of here."
"Wait a minute," interposed the Eastern man; "may I make a suggestion?"
"Cert, pard,—why, sure!" answered the Cowboy.
"Well, it seems to me this matter had better be settled amicably if possible; if not, after we are gone something might happen to the dog. After what has happened the gentleman naturally feels an animosity towards the animal. Now, I would suggest that he name a sum of money which he would consider sufficient to compensate him for injuries received. I would be glad to pay a reasonable amount—say ten dollars—in settlement of all damages, if the gentleman will agree not to attempt to injure the dog in any way."
"I'll agree to that," cried Jake eagerly.
"Very well, here is the money." The Eastern man held out a ten-dollar gold piece, which was seized upon by Jake, and without a word he and his companion started in a straight line for the saloon.
The Cowboy shouted after them: "Remember, I'll be back here next week, and if the dog isn't all right there'll be trouble." Then, turning to the girl, he said:
"Well, sis, the show's over; the dog's all right, so I guess I'll get aboard the train. So, so long."