"Nope-but I can hope, can't I?" -
The room next door was filled with benches but the benches were filled with boys. Jarman stopped at a bench which was crowded by three large cases, an ornate portable
refresher kit, and a banjo case. A pink-faced youth sat next to this. "Your stuff?" Tex asked him.
The young man grudgingly admitted it. "You won't mind if we move it and sit down," Tex went on. He started putting the items on the floor. The owner looked sulky but said nothing.
There was room for three. Tex insisted that the others sit down, then sat down on his bag and leaned against Mart's knees, with his legs stretched out. His footwear, thus displayed, were seen to be fine western boots, high- heeled and fancy.
A candidate across from them stared at the boots, then spoke to the boy next to him. "Pipe the cowboy!"
Tex snorted and started to get up. Matt put a hand on his shoulder, shoving him back. "It's not worth it, Tex. We've got a busy day ahead."
Oscar nodded agreement. "Take it easy, fellow."
Tex subsided. "Well-all right. Just: the same," he added, "my Uncle Bodie would stuff a man's feet in his mouth for less than that." He glared at the boy across from him.
Pierre Armand leaned over and spoke to Tex. "Excuse me-but are those really shoes for riding on horses?"