"Skinny," Charley answered for Bert, "he's fixing up to make love in style—"
"Aw, the blamed idiot," Old Heck grunted, then glancing over toward Parker's bed: "—Did you notice whether Parker got him one, too, or not?"
Before the question was answered Parker and Skinny appeared at the bunk-house door.
"What's the matter?" Chuck said, still holding the bundle in his hand, "—ain't it too early for lovers to bu'st up for the night? Or did the widow and Carolyn June blow out the lights on you—"
"Forget it, you danged fool!" Skinny said crossly. "Can't you ever get over your dog-goned craziness? They was just tired and went to bed. Give me that package, it's mine and private!" reaching for the bundle.
Chuck, with a laugh, threw it at him. It landed on the Ramblin' Kid's bunk where the latter was lying, his clothing still on, his eyes staring straight up while he smoked a cigarette.
"When are you going to ride the Gold Dust maverick?" Skinny asked as he picked up the package.
For a moment the Ramblin' Kid did not answer. Then, without changing his position, replied:
"I don't know as I'll ever ride her. Maybe I'll turn her loose again on th' range."
"What did you catch her for?" Bert queried. "Don't you want her?"