“Very true--ve-ry true,” said the Parson musingly. “Yet not one of you knows but _he_ might be the one to have bad luck. We count on that--and you must count that, expecting no mercy, we should show none.” “Yes--that’s so, too. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. Leave out the horse-wranglers--they’re just boys and don’t know no better than to follow us--and I’m with you.” “Well, I don’t know about the horse-wranglers. It might be a valuable lesson in the future. They can not learn too early to avoid pleasure which gives others pain. What do you say, Doc?” This to the silent one. “Boys free,” said that vigilant person. “Cut it short! You talk too damn much!” And that was his only remark that evening. “All right. We had set our hearts on clearing up an even ten thousand, though. I see some steer buyers of a facetious turn here. Perhaps they will be good enough to make up the deficiency.” The Colonel spoke up deprecatingly: “Now I do not for a moment desire any bloodshed. But as to taking all our money, remember that ninety per cent. of it is in checks. You couldn’t use them, you know. And I certainly do not carry a thousand dollars with me in cash. I’m willing to give you what money I have--but I can’t pay you one dollar a head.” “Vent slips,” said the Parson. “Your quota is twelve hundred head, Colonel. Don’t try to fudge. It would be difficult to realize on all of it--as you justly observe. Still, much can be done by two resolute men. We might take a few of you out in the brush and shoot you some if the checks were not paid. I fancy you would see that they were. ‘Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.’ Really, you tempt me. One hundred thousand dollars is a big stake, worthy of a bold throw. But let us not be covetous, my brothers. “As to the other matter, I happen to know that Mr. Gale had ten thousand dollars sent down to cash checks with. You owners either give him your checks for your contribution, to cash, pledging your words as gentlemen and cow-men to redeem them, or we will clean out the crowd, safe and all, and take you check-men out to herd, till we have a friend negotiate the paper. “If Mr. Gale will cash the checks for you we will let him go free. I am sure he will--for if he don’t I’ll draw a check for it all, and I know he’ll cash that! Speak up. All or part! The time has passed pleasantly, but I must go. You have indulged in Terpsichorean recreation and you are now under obligation to remunerate the violinist.” Neighbor gasped. “How was that again? I only speak English and Spanish.” “Ante up!” quoth the Parson. “Oh!” “Copper your jaw and take what you want,” said Slaughter. “None of us is looking for getting killed. And _I’m_ not going to push a foot after you, for one. It serves us right. Come on, boys. Hurry up--I want to go to bed.”