“That tall feller? Yea-a-ah. They tell me he’s a detective from Northern Idaho, Mack.”
Cutter seemed serious, but Smiley saw the grin on Ryker’s lips. He flushed slightly.
“You tryin’ to be funny, Cutter?” he asked.
“Not a bit, Keno. Go ask English Ed.”
“Does English know him?” asked Ort.
“To his everlasting sorrow,” grinned Ryker.
“What does he want here?” demanded Smiley.
“Give him enough time and he’ll probably show you,” said Ryker.
“Well, he’s got nothin’ on me,” declared Smiley.
“Nor me,” echoed Ort. “Let’s all have a drink.”