“Whatever it is it won’t last no week” says Magpie, prophetic-like.
“The big celebration is all in one day. All the old-timers will be there; sabe? This is going to be a hyiu time, if you asks me, and she’s going to be full of brotherly love and peace on earth, good will to all menkind.”
“In Piperock?” I asks, and he nods.
“Brotherly love?” asks Magpie, and he nods again.
“Well,” says I, “if you was a big man, Scenery, or could pull a gun real fast, I’d say you’re mistaken, but being whom you are I’ll say you are either a danged fool or a liar.”
“Quit that now!” he squeaks. “Quit it! Dog-gone you, Ike, I’ve got a lot of power I didn’t used to have.”
“All the old-timers?” inquires Magpie.
“You heard me say it, didn’t you?”
“Hoss-thieves, et cettery?”
“Immune for a week, Magpie. I has issued my proclamation.”