“It's a plumb big show, half-inch or no half-inch,” said Lin.
“If he's short he don't get his money,” said some ignoble subscriber
“Yes, he will,” said the Governor, “or I'm a short. He's earned it.”
“You bet “' said Lin. “Fair and square. If they're goin' back on yu', doctor, I'll chip—Shucks!” Lin's hand fell from the empty pocket; he remembered his wad in the stake-holder's hands, and that he now possessed possibly two dollars in silver, all told. “I can't chip in, doctor,” he said. “That hobo over there has won my cash, an' he's filling up on the prospect right now. I don't care! It's the biggest show I've ever saw. You're a dandy, Mr. Hilbrun! Whoop!” And Lin clapped the rain-maker on the shoulder, exulting. He had been too well entertained to care what he had in his pocket, and his wife had not yet occurred to him.
They were disputing about the rainfall, which had been slightly under half an inch in a few spots, but over it in many others; and while we stood talking in the renewed sunlight, more telegrams were brought to Jode, saying that there was no moisture anywhere, and simultaneously with these, riders dashed into town with the news that twelve miles out the rain had flattened the grain crop. We had more of such reports from as far as thirty miles, and beyond that there had not been a drop or a cloud. It staggered one's reason; the brain was numb with surprise.
“Well, gentlemen,” said the rain-maker, “I'm packed up, and my train'll be along soon—would have been along by this, only it's late. What's the word as to my three hundred and fifty dollars?”
Even still there were objections expressed. He had not entirely performed his side of the contract.
“I think different, gentlemen,” said he. “But I'll unpack and let that train go. I can't have the law on you, I suppose. But if you don't pay me” (the rain-maker put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the fence) “I'll flood your town.”
In earthquakes and eruptions people end by expecting anything; and in the total eclipse that was now over all Cheyenne's ordinary standards and precedents the bewildered community saw in this threat nothing more unusual than if he had said twice two made four. The purse was handed over.
“I'm obliged,” said Hilbrun, simply.