"Matter of fact," said Ronicky Doone, "that bay means a pile to me.
When I seen the red on her side--"

"Can't be more than a chance prick."

"I know," said Ronicky, "but I didn't stop to think."

"And I should of give you fair warning before I went for the gat."

"Look here," said Ronicky, "you talk like a straight sort of a gent to
me."

"And you thought I was a cross between a hoss thief and a gunfighter?"

"I dunno what I thought, except that I wanted the mare back. Stranger,
I'm no end sorry this has happened. Maybe you'd lemme know why you was
in such a hurry to get to Stillwater. If they's any trouble coming
down the road behind you, maybe I can help take care of it for you."
And he smiled coldly and significantly at Bill Gregg.

The latter eyed with some wonder the man who had just shot him down
and was now offering to fight for his safety. "Nothing like that,"
said Bill. "I was going to Stillwater to meet a girl."

"As much of a rush as all that to see a girl?"

"On that train."

Ronicky Doone whistled softly. "And I messed it up! But why didn't you