“Very well,” said the Sheriff.
“But hands off till we git thar, and you ride fifty steps ahead of me, for fear of accidents—that’s the proposition.”
“Agreed!”
“Not so fast,” said Suggs, “thar’s a condition.”
“What’s that?”
“Have you got any liquor along?”
The Sheriff pulled out a black bottle by way of reply.
“Now,” said Captain Suggs, “do you put the bottle on that stump thar, and ride out from the road fifty yards, and when I git it, take your position in front.”
These manœuvres were performed with much accuracy, and the parties being ready, and the Captain one drink ahead:
“For—rard, march!” said Suggs.