I merely want Jake, without any strings on him whatever.

Because he can go like the very dickens, and I want to keep an eye on Tex myself.

He won't pay any attention--" "Tex! Good Lord! Bill, you--" "Listen, dad, I think I _deserve_ to have Jake.

You _know_ I can ride him, and you're so short-handed, and I can watch Tex--" "Go saddle him up for her, Bill, will you?
I guess the kid's done enough to put her on a par with the rest of us." "I'll say she has," Bill surrendered, a grin splitting his leathery face straight across the middle.

"I been watchin' Tex myself, but I didn't know it was horses he was after.