At length he threw out his hands in a gesture of mute abandonment.
"My dear fellow," he said with a faint smile, "I've about stopped trying to think." At this Buck Daniels grinned mirthlessly.
"Now you're talkin' sense," he nodded.

"They ain't no use in thinking." "But why do you leave so suddenly ?" Buck Daniels shrugged his broad shoulders.
"I am sure," went on Byrne, "that Miss Cumberland will miss you." "She will not," answered the big cowpuncher.

"She's got her hands full with--_him_." "Exactly.

But if it is more than she can do, if she makes no headway with that singular fellow--she may need help----" He was interrupted by a slow, long-drawn, deep-throated curse from Buck Daniels.
"Why in hell should I help her with--_him ?_" "There is really no reason," answered the doctor, alarmed, "except, I suppose, old friendship----" "Damn old friendship!" burst out Buck Daniels.

"There's an end to all things and my friendship is worn out--on both sides.