Thar's times when Dave's been seen caucusin' with Missis Rucker an' Doc Peets.

Most likely one of 'em would be able to shed a ray on Dave.

By a excellent coincidence, an' as if to he'p us out, Peets comes in as Texas Thompson su'gests that mebby the Doc's qualified to onravel the myst'ry.
"'Tell you-all folks what's the matter with Dave ?' says Peets.

'Pards, it's simply not in the deck.

Meanin' no disrespects--for you gents knows me too well to dream of me harborin' anything but feelin's of the highest regyards for one an' all--I'll have to leave you camped in original darkness.