J. Allan Dunn

“ Not the consideration they deserve but under all circumstances. The colonel at the post is likely to get hell if he fires at one of them to-day. If he should kill one, they'd retire him. I wish, Strong, there had been some of our estimable committeemen who handle Indian affairs inside that coach to-day.
“Think of what they might have done to that glorious girl. Strong, she's not married. Coming out to live with a married sister, I understand, on a ranch near Laguna. If you don't grab her—you're not married, I hope?—you're next door to being an idiot.” ”

“ You ain't got a drop of licker with you, have you? No? Then I'll git along toward the stop. It's dry work handlin' the ribbons with both hands full of crazy hawsses an' no chance to fire back at the devils thet's makin' a game out of who kin hit you first. They streaked one clean through my hat.”
He started up his horses, and Strong dropped back. He thought it best to leave the Indian agent alone for a while, until his ruffled dignity should subside somewhat. He felt a mild interest in the railroad man. ”

“ Usually they faint after it's all over. 'Stead of thet she cossets the gent who lost his nerve—railroad man by the name of Foster, he told me. This gent beside me is sellin' hams an' sichlike, an' he kin git my order for his brand any time. He ain't so much on shootin', but he's long on sand. So's the third inside fare. He fired as if he knowed how to handle a rifle, but he didn't hold ahead enough, I reckon.
“Mebbe”—the driver sank his voice to a harsh whisper—“mebbe he didn't want to kill 'em. He's the Indian agent. ”

“ Strong learned something about him from the man from whom he bought grain to carry on the trip.
“He's a good mixer, thet railroad chap,” said the other. “Don't say a heap, but he fits in an' he plays a dern good game of poker. I'm figgerin' on sellin' him a depot site. Laguna's goin' to boom, Strong, jest as soon as they start layin' steel, an' don't you forgit it. Say, there's a party ridin' north you might take along—cow waddie. Jest as well to have company. ”

“ What does the gal do but grab it an' start shootin' out of the right-hand winder while the remainin' gent does the same on the left. An' the gal's the best shot of the two. Brought down one red devil nice as you ever see. ”