Mr. Fresno, if he had been a girl, would have been said to have giggled.
"All right, Dearie! I'll bet you five hundred dollars—" as there emerged from the darkness, whence they had approached unseen, Stover, and behind him the other men.
"Evenin'! What's all the excitement?" greeted the leader, softly.
The master of the ranch stepped forward.
"See here, Bill, I'm sorry, but I won't stand for this foot- race."
"Why not?" queried the foreman.
"I just won't, that's all. You'll have to call it off."
"I'm sorry, too."
"You refuse?" The owner spoke ominously.
"You bet he does!" Willie pushed himself forward. "This foot-race is ordained, and it comes off on time. I make bold to inquire if you're talkin' for our runner?"