Alan sat down opposite him.
"What's on your mind, Stampede ?" "Hell, mostly," shot back Stampede with sudden desperation.

"I've come loaded down with a dirty job, and I've kept it back this long because I didn't want to spoil your fun tonight.

I guess a man ought to keep to himself what he knows about a woman, but I'm thinking this is a little different.

I hate to do it.

I'd rather take the chance of a snake-bite.
But you'd shoot me if you knew I was keeping it to myself." "Keeping what to yourself ?" "The truth, Alan.