“Lookee here,” he squealed. “Let’s quit. Let’s turn around with those other fellows and go home. I’m tired, and I don’t feel very well, and there isn’t anything at the other end anyhow.”
“If you want to quit you can join the next party bound east. We can do without you,” spoke Jim. “But I’m going on if I have to carry the mules.”
“So am I,” declared Billy; and the others, including Davy, felt the same way.
“I reckon Left-over’s afraid of the Injuns,” commented Hi.
This seemed to arouse Left-over’s wrath.
“I’m not, either,” he squealed frantically. “The Injuns had better not bother me. Did you see the way I downed the big buffalo? That’s what any Injuns’ll get who tackle me. You fellows don’t know me when I’m mad. I’m bad. I’m a regular tarrer. I’m half horse and half alligator. Those Injuns had better keep out of my way!”
“We’re mighty glad of your company, Left-over,” claimed Mr. Baxter soberly. “If I were you I’d ride the trail and hire out to emigrant parties to see them through safely.”
Left-over continued to bluster as they marched; and Billy only remarked to Davy:
“If his ‘do’ is half as big as his ‘tell’ he could lick Wild Bill, couldn’t he?”
Late that afternoon Hi pointed to the north.