“Thanks,” grinned Hashknife; he watched the gambler cross the big room to a poker table.
“Jist how near right was you about that Flathead deal?” queried Regan.
Hashknife laughed, but did not reply.
“You are probably mistaken,” said Ryker softly.
“Is that a legal opinion, or man to man?” asked Hashknife.
“Merely my opinion,” said Ryker seriously. “Now, I’ll buy.”
Hashknife shook his head quickly.
“Nope, I’ve had enough, pardner. Knowin’ when to quit is a failin’ I’ve always had.”
They left the bar and went to the sidewalk, where they met Kent Cutter and two of his men. Regan introduced Hashknife to them, and Cutter offered to buy a drink, but Hashknife and Slim declined. Not so Ryker. He went in with them, while Hashknife and Regan walked to the depot to see whether the train would be in on time.
The few drinks had made Ryker expansive. He wanted to tell Cutter what Hartley had said to English Ed, but English Ed joined them before Ryker had a chance to do much talking.