“The Los Angeles train comes through about dark,” said another.
“I think, gentlemen,” said I politely, “that we'd best look out for our defenses. There's likely to be a stormy evening, I should judge.”
“Well,” growled Wainwright, “we can look out for ourselves as well as the next fellow.”
“If there's bloody crowns going round, the other gang will get its share,” said Fitzhugh. And the men about me nodded.
I was cheered to see that they needed nobody to do their fighting, however advisable it might be to do their thinking by deputy.
“Very good,” I said. “Now I'll just look about the town a bit. You may come with me, if you please, Fitzhugh.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And Abrams and Lockhart may go scouting if they like.”
Abrams and Lockhart thought they would like.
“Better keep together,” I continued. “What's the earliest time any one could get here?”