PAINTED ROCK
"Yes, Mat,"
"I'm glad to collide with you," said Mat. "The Major asked me to tell you that Crowle knows you are leaving for Big Springs, and he is braggin' you're goin' by his orders."
"I shall be back the day after to-morrow, Mat."
"I'm real glad to hear it, sir," said Mat. "And furthermore, Mr. Bailey, Crowle has gone down to the depôt to see you go, he says, and he allows he'll ride with you as far as Jatan to make sure he hezn't to kill you."
"Damn him!" said Bailey.
"Take this, sir," said Mat. Bailey felt a six-shooter thrust into his hand. But he refused it.
"No, Mat, I'm obliged to you, but I won't. There are too many guns in this town already."
"You may need it mighty bad, sir. Crowle's mad drunk."
"I'll chance it," said Bailey. He shook hands with Mat and went on to the depôt, and came on a small crowd waiting for the passing of the East-bound express. After that had passed through, the accommodation
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