Yet this man had come from the far northern state of New York, and it was only the burning suns of the Texas and North Mexican plains that had turned him to his present darkness.
"Glad to meet you, my boy," he said, leaning from his horse and holding out a powerful hand, burnt as dark as his face.

"My name's Smith, Erastus Smith." Ned grasped his hand eagerly.

This was the famous "Deaf" Smith--destined to become yet more famous--although they generally pronounced it D-e-e-f in Texas.
"Guess we didn't come out of season," said Smith with a smile.
"You certainly didn't," broke in Obed.

"There's a time for all things, and this was your time!" "I believe they're real glad to see us.

Don't you think so, Jim ?" said Smith with a smile.
The man whom he called Jim had been sitting on his horse, silent, and he remained silent yet, but he nodded in reply.