"We've only two days' forage at the house."
"After to-morrow let the herd into the home pasture under a strong guard by day. Throw them into the house every night, and post a relief of sentries on the roof. We mustn't—haw, allow the poor robbers to fall into temptation, so see that the men have—er plenty of ammunition."
"These robbers may round up our cattle."
"If they do they will have to drive slow, and Bryant will hold the railway-line in force, with troops if necessary, er—Chalkeye!"
"Yessir."
"A friend of mine has turned this gang loose on my stock. There's been crooked work."
"Ryan work, sir?"
"What makes you think that?"
"The birds. I want leave to go shoot Ryan."
"Indeed, ah! I've promised my wife not to—er shoot Mr. Ryan." He stood up and grabbed my paw. "Chalkeye, we must try to behave like—er Christians, for her sake. Now I must be off. You'll find me at Holy Cross."