“Fellow thinkin’ of startin’ a drug-store. Jim Weaver is the happy dad of twins. Mad dog shot on Main Street. New stage-line for Marvine planned. Mr. Jake Houck is enjoyin’ a pleasant visit to our little city. I reckon that’s about all.”
Dud had joined Tom in the doorway. “Meet up with Mr. Houck?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Have any talk?”
“He had some, but he hadn’t hardly got to goin’ good when the mad dog sashayed up the street. Mr. Houck he adjourned the meetin’ immediate.”
“More important business, I reckon,” Dud grinned.
“He didn’t mention it, but all those present were in a kinda hurry.”
“So’s some one else.” Reeves nodded his head toward a small cloud of dust approaching the ranch.
A rider galloped up and dragged his mount to a halt. “Utes have broke out! Killed a trapper on Squaw Creek! Burned two nesters’ houses!” His voice was high and excited.