Indeed, Big Medicine's bull-like remarks boomed full-throated across the coulee and were flung back mockingly by the barren hills.

Slim did not hear a word they were saying; he was thinking it over, with that complete mental concentration which is the chief recompense of a slow-working mind.

He was methodically thinking it all out--and, eventually, he saw the joke.
"Well, by golly!" he bawled suddenly, and brought his palm down with a terrific smack upon his sore leg--whereat his fellows laughed uproariously.
"We told you not to try to see through any more jokes till your leg gets well, Slim," Andy reminded condescendingly.
"Say, by golly, that's a good one on Dunk, ain't it?
Chasin' himself clean outa the country, by golly--scared plumb to death---and you fellers was only jest makin' b'lieve yuh knowed him! By golly, that sure is a good one, all right!" "You've got it; give you time enough and you could see through a barbed-wire fence," patronized Andy, from the hammock.

"Yes, since you mention it, I think myself it ain't so bad." "Aw-w shut up, out there, an' let a feller sleep!" came a querulous voice from within.

"I'd ruther bed down with a corral full uh calves at weanin' time, than be anywheres within ten mile uh you darned, mouthy--" The rest was indistinguishable, but it did not matter.