“I reckon I’ll go back there, Barney,” he said. “I’d kinda like to get a look at Mostano.”
Brick started back and Barney went with him. They stopped at the corner of the building, where they could hear the men talking. It was evident that an argument had started, in which Hank and Leach had joined.
“It’s none of my business,” said Fields, “but it’s the law. You’ve got to have the hide of the animal, Mostano. I didn’t know it until the sheriff told me about it today.”
“Aw, to with the sheriff!” Thus Sam Leach. “Let’s all have a drink. Fields, I want you to meet Hank Stagg. Hank is our next sheriff.”
Fields grunted an acknowledgment.
“Why do I bring hides?” queried Mostano. “My meat is good.”
“I’m not kicking about the meat,” replied Fields. “I’m just telling you—”
“Nobody pays any attention to that law,” interrupted Leach. “It’s a law all right, but what the ? We’ve got too many laws.”
“Hides make big load,” complained Mostano. “I have to pack one more horse. Too much work.”
“That’s right,” agreed Leach. “Here, have a drink, Fields. That ed sheriff is too officious. Wait until Hank is elected.”