“I didn't think you'd show me your back! I've been a good friend to you, Ben, and if I hadn't been, father was. Can you deny that—no, sir!”
“He was the best friend I ever had.”
“I'm glad you ain't forgot it, Ben Rogers! He gave you your start—you've always been man enough to own that.”
“Don't you think I've about squared that with you?” said the colonel again impatiently.
“I ain't here to ask no favours, Benny, you can rest easy on that; I'm here to make a fair trade.”
“Yes,” said Rogers wearily. He was familiar with the old buffalo hunter's idea of a fair trade.
“You're seeing the last of me, Benny, you'll be clean shut of me when I hit the trail this time.”
The colonel hoped so, though this hope did not find, expression in words.
“I'll want a good horse, for I played mine out getting here.”
“Yes,” said Rogers.