You see, Lew Hervey is rather a rough character.

In the old days I think he was quite a fighter.

I guess he still is.

And he's gathered a lot of fighting men for cowpunchers on the ranch.

When he sees me bring in an understudy for his part, so to speak, I'm afraid he might make trouble unless he was convinced it would be safer to keep his hands off the new man." The gloom of Perris returned.