load wi’ ornary men. There’s lots o’ them knockin’ round. Lou’s another.”
Lou shot a swift glance across the room. No man ever saw behind the blue of his eyes or the smile of his well-cut mouth.
“Who’s going to balance up with us instead of Mackerrow, Ted?” he said.
“Jimmie Blaine,” said Ted Douglas, shortly.
All the township knew that Ted Douglas and Jimmie were mates. And all the township knew the meaning of Lossin’s remark:
“Are yer takin’ him on a chain an’ a collar fur next time yer goes after cattle?”
When the Packer was sober he attempted to shoulder every quarrel in Argyle.
“Jimmie’s bin after cattle on Behar. He won’t carry the collar-galls on his neck as long as you’re doin’.”
Randal swung through the room as Lossin sprang to his feet with an oath.
“Stop that,” he said, and struck Lossin’s arm down. “If you want to hit your grand-father, go and nose round the work-houses till you find him.”
“One degeneration’s enough fur any man,” said Danny peaceably. “Where would he find a grand-dad? I ain’t got one meself.”
“I’ll sell you a brace fur ten-pence,” offered Mogger, who wore rags the year through that he might feed his relations. “And a granny, too, ter make it up to a bob.”
