us more onsettled than at first.

"For a full hour, we does nothin' but canvass this yere question of
Dave's aberrations. At last a idee seizes us. Thar's times when
Dave's been seen caucusin' with Missis Rucker an' Doc Peets. Most
likely one of 'em would be able to shed a ray on Dave. By a excellent
coincidence, an' as if to he'p us out, Peets comes in as Texas Thompson
su'gests that mebby the Doc's qualified to onravel the myst'ry.

"'Tell you-all folks what's the matter with Dave?' says Peets. 'Pards,
it's simply not in the deck. Meanin' no disrespects--for you gents
knows me too well to dream of me harborin' anything but feelin's of the
highest regyards for one an' all--I'll have to leave you camped in
original darkness. It would be breakin' professional confidences.
Shore, I saveys Dave's troubles an' the causes of these vagaries of
his; jest the same the traditions of the medical game forces me to hold
'em sacred an' secret.'

"'Tell us at least, Doc,' says Enright, 'whether Dave's likely to grow
voylent. If he is, it's only proper that we arranges to tie him down.'

"'Dave may be boisterous later,' says Peets, an' his reply comes slow
an' thoughtful, like he's considerin'; 'he may make a joyful uproar,
but he won't wax dangerous.' This yere's as far as Peets'll go; he
declines to talk longer, on professional grounds.

"'Which suspense, this a-way,' says Boggs, after Peets is gone, 'an' us
no wiser than when he shows in the door, makes me desp'rate. I'll
offer the motion: Let's prance over in a bunch, an' demand a
explanation of Missis Rucker. Dave's been talkin' to her as much as