“While you runs,” says I. “Magpie don’t want to be bothered with no bronc when he gets scared, ma’am. If I was the sheriff of this county I’d keep her swept clean of outlaws, believe me. It irks me some to take orders when I know they ain’t getting us no place.”
“Do you suppose I’m in any danger living here alone?” she asks.
“If I thought you was I couldn’t sleep,” orates Magpie. “You need the protection of a man. If you——”
“You hadn’t ought to be here alone,” I states. “Of course I’d love to stay here with you, but—there’s a preacher in Pipe-rock, ma’am.”
“Preachers ain’t no protection,” states Magpie. “Being sort of a legal guardian of this here county, I’d admire to—”
“Magpie, you ain’t got no time,” I reminds him. “You got to investigate that bank robbery and the one in Buck’s place. You’ve said yourself that I ain’t no help to you. Why don’t yuh appoint me to look after the weaker sex in this county?”
“Ike, after knowing you as long as I have, I’d hate to call ’em the weaker sex.”
“Oh, I’m not afraid,” she states. “As long as I’ve got two big strong men looking after me I feel safe. I do hope you can come often. Can’t you come tomorrow?”
“I can,” says Magpie. “Of course Ike will have to stay and tend to the office routine work. It ain’t much but it’s got to be done.”
“Routine work,” says I to Magpie, as we pilgrims back. “What routine, Magpie?”