There’s Old Testament standing in the middle of the room, with his eyes rolled toward the rafters, while in front of him stands Susie Abernathy and Muley Bowles. Muley’s vest is stretched to the bursting point, and you could light a match on Susie’s freckles.
To one side stands Zeb Abernathy, and on the other stands Weinie Lopp, all dressed up in a celluloid collar, and no place to put his hands.
We hears Old Testament finish up his prayer, and as Muley folds Susie to his bosom we troops inside. Muley sees us over Susie’s shoulder, and breaks the clinch. Zeb grins out through his whiskers and Weinie Lopp turns up the collar of his coat.
Everything is still for a few seconds, and then Old Testament smiles at me over his specs:
“My son,” says he, “it’s fortunate that I came with you. I had considered taking a trip over into the Bitter Roots, and Mister Lopp would have missed me.”
“Exactly,” says I, having the understanding of a fish. “All very true. Was Weinie on your trail?”
“Uh-huh,” gurgles Weinie,“I—I was after a preacher for Muley.”
“They—they just got married,” chuckles Zeb. “Just now.”
“Well,” says Chuck, foolish-like, “who gets the first kiss from the bride—after you, Muley?”
“Muley, you’re a hero!” gasps Telescope. “Any man is a hero who will sacrifice a hundred thousand dollars at the throne of love. Everybody take off your hats to Muley Bowles.”