"Yes, I axed 'er, 'n' she 'lowed it's none o' my 'fair."
"But you said they would be back soon. How do you know?"
A sly grin crept to his thinly bearded lips.
"Look-y-here, pardner. Me 'n' you's frien's. I've et yo' grub 'n' drunk yo' liquor 'n' slep' on yo' floor. I know yo 're lovin' Lessie 'n' lovin' her hones'. I 'm a-gunta bring 'er back to yo'. I said I didn't know whur they went, 'n' I don't, but I've got my s'picions. It mought be a week, 'n' it mought be a mont', 'n' it mought be longer. But I 'm a-gunta do it. Never yo' min' jes' how I'll manage. Th' day I fin' 'em that day they start home, 'n' I don't 'low they 's so tur'ble fur, neither."
I felt my throat choke up at this totally unexpected act of generous devotion. I know my eyes grew moist, and it was several moments before I could say anything.
"Satyr, I—I—you don't know how much I appreciate this. I don't deserve it. But—can't I go with you on the search?"
Jeff Angel laughed his mirthless, jackass laugh before answering.
"Lord, no! This here pleasure trip 's all fur me. You jes' hang 'roun' 'n' wait fur nooze!"
"You'll need money—how much?"
My hand started toward an inner pocket, but instantly Jeff's long, wiry fingers had gripped it, and dragged it down.