"Ain't that where th' T & C is?"
The bartender nodded.
"West is good enough for me. Better get a cayuse an' come along."
"Can't do it, an' I ain't set a saddle in two years. I'd be a cripple if I stuck to you. Why don't you hunt up that Nelson feller? He ain't got nothin' to do."
"Just left him. Don't reckon he'd care to go. Huh!" he muttered, looking at the clock. "I reckon I'll eat first, an' ride after."
Shortly after dinner Johnny strolled in and nodded to the bartender, who immediately called to Bill Long.
"Here's Nelson now; mebby he'll go with you," he said.
"Go where?" asked Johnny, pausing.
"Ridin'."
"What for?"