Page:Morley roberts--Painted Rock.djvu/55

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

DIFFICULTY WITH WINDY WALKER

"Me defend him, Jeff! He's the meanest sort of murderer. He don't take chances with any but old men and tender-feet. He ain't the man to kill when it ain't self-defence. He looks for self-defence, and is greedy for it. I'd like to see him laid out cold, and before I buried him in style I'd see the dogs eat him."

"I'll kill him," said Jeff. "Will you sleep here, Bill, and lend me your pony so's I can go into town and see Paw? I'll send the pony back early."

"You kin ride," said Bill; "I'll stay here. Do you mean what you say, Jeff?"

"Sure's death," said Jeff. "Ain't he killed Paw? Who else is there?"

Bill Davies took him by the hand.

"You're a man, Jeff, and I'll be proud of you. But reklec' he's quick on the trigger. Don't take no chances. He won't give none."

"I'll give him none," said Jeff.

"You're a boy after all," mused the cowboy, "and if you kill him there will be those that'll sympathise with you, Jeff. But p'raps

43