"Gracious, it's perfectly awful!" cried Anne.
"Yes, lady. That's what Billy said. He said he didn't object to gettin' shot at, but he did object to gettin' hit, especially when he was readin' po'try. Said it kind of bruck his strand of thought. That guy was no gent."
Walter Stone again glanced at Dr. Marshall. Aunt Eleanor rose, bidding the men good-night. Louise and Mrs. Marshall followed somewhat reluctantly. Stone disappeared to return with cigars, whiskey and seltzer, which he placed at Overland's elbow. "My friend Dr. Marshall is an Easterner," he said.
Overland waved a comprehending hand, lit another cigar, and settled back. "Now I can take the hobbles off and talk nacheral. When you gents want me to stop, just say 'Guzzuh.'"
CHAPTER XIX
"TO CUT MY TRAIL LIKE THAT!"
Overland Red was concluding his last yarn, a most amazing account of "The night the Plancher boys shot up Abilene."
It was exactly two o'clock by Dr. Marshall's watch.