"So's you could herd the sheep?" asked Charleton.
"So's I could have peace," retorted Douglas.
"Peace? What does a kid like you want of peace? Anybody that can't find peace in Lost Chief is a fool."
"I'm no fool!" contradicted Doug, with a growing irritation at Charleton for interrupting his talk with Fowler. "And where is there a peaceful person in Lost Chief?"
"Douglas," said Charleton, "when you are as old as I am you'll realize that Lost Chief is as near heaven as man can hope to get. A poke of salt and a gun on your saddle, a blanket tied behind, a good horse under you, the Persian poet in your pocket, all time and the ranges before you, and what more could mortal man desire?"
"A woman, you've always said before," grunted Douglas.
"I was holding back out of respect to the sky pilot," laughed Charleton. "But since you mentioned it, there's Inez, who's always ready for a trip."
Mr. Fowler shot a quick look at Douglas, who again grunted indifferently and rolled a cigarette.
"Are you and Douglas partners, Falkner?" asked the preacher.
"Once in a while. Why are you herding sheep, Fowler? This herd yours?"