“It don’t make me no never mind,” stated the stranger. “I’m just open f’r engagement. Jake’ll tell you that I’m a top-hand, y’betcha.”
“All of which makes it so,” stated Hashknife.
Jake Blue squinted at Hashknife and up at the cowboy. The latter seemed surprized that any one might doubt his ability.
“Who ’re you?” asked the cowboy.
“Names don’t mean nothin’,” replied Hashknife. “I don’t know your name, but I ain’t inquisitive. ’Pears to me that I’ve knowed you some’ers.”
“Huh!”
The cowboy’s eyebrows lifted slightly, but no sign of recognition crossed his features. He was not at all handsome—due partly to a crooked nose, a split lip and a week’s growth of downy, blond whiskers.
“What are you cuttin’ in here fer?” asked Blue angrily. “Mister Hagen’s goin’ t’ work for Skelton.”
“Zasso?” Skelton seemed surprized. “I ain’t hired nobody yet, Blue.”
“You ain’t goin’ to have work for three men, are you?” asked Hashknife, turning to Skelton.