“Yeah, run into the law,” complained McGurk, twisting his head to find out if it was still movable. “He sure ran into me. One of my legs is inches longer than it was, and my head popped when it hit the dirt.”
McGurk got to his feet and walked over to his horse, which was being held by the grinning Cleve.
“Don’t run away,” said Big Medicine. “Supper is almost ready, and we’d like to have you eat with us.”
“Well, I dunno.” McGurk squinted at the setting sun and handed the rope back to Cleve. “I suppose I might as well, thanks. A little settin’ down won’t hurt me none. By grab, I sure shook myself awhile ago.”
“I’m sorry I shucked yuh loose,” grinned Sleepy painfully. “But yuh see, my steer wasn’t no hurdle racer. I had aplenty. Hereafter I may eat it, but I’ll be darned if I ride it.”
“Yuh made a good ride,” complimented Musical. “Ain’t many riders in this country that’ll stick as long as you did. I’m glad I didn’t get the short straw.”
“That’s the straw that almost broke several backs,” said Hashknife.
They were just starting in to supper when Ike came into sight, riding furiously. He drew up his horse at the steps and spat out his information in one word——
“Rustlers!”