"How'd I make Chip believe me enough to GO ?" he countered.

"Darn it, everything looked all smooth sailing till I got back here to the ranch and the boys come at me with that same old smart-aleck brand uh talk.

I kinda forgot how I've lied to 'em and fooled 'em right along till they duck every time I open my face." His eyes were too full of trouble to encourage levity in his listener.

"You remember that time the boys' rode off and left me laying out here on the prairie with my leg broke ?" he went on dismally.

"I'd rather have that happen to me a dozen times than see 'em set back and give me the laugh now, just when--Oh, hell!" He dropped the finished cinch and walked moodily to the door.