Grouse. It’s too funny that you didn’t meet anybody. They’re lookin’ fur you all over the mountain to go to the Basin. Jim said ye must go right off. The Leadville outfit is tryin’ to jump pap’s claim agin.
Vance. I don’t believe that. It must be a false report.
Grouse. But it aint! Git yer gun and take the trail. Ye kin git dinner at Jack’s cabin.
Vance. Why Mollie, Lonesome Mose was in the Basin yesterday and he says the Leadville gang have all gone.
Grouse. (With petulance.) Lonesome Mose, indeed! As if pap didn’t know better about his own claim. Would you put Mose Randall’s word up agin’ pap’s er a lady’s?
Vance. Well, Mollie, I didn’t mean to contradict you. I’ll enquire as soon as I get a bite to eat.
Grouse. An’ yer goin’ to wait to eat?
Vance. Yes, I’ll take a snack.
Grouse. Some men ’ud eat if an earthquake was comin’.
Vance. I can easily catch them before they get to Jack’s cabin.