that's what you get. And if I see you around this here ranch, just even
_lookin'_ at her, I'll plug you again." Jimmy was romancing, with the
recently discussed subject of beaux in mind.

When Little Jim informed the household that his father and another man
were coming over, that evening, Uncle Frank asked who the other man was.
Little Jim described Bartley and told about the wonderful Luger gun.

"My dad is huntin' his hosses," he said. "And I know who's got 'em!"

"Was the other man a deputy?" queried Uncle Frank.

"He didn't have a badge on him. He kind of acted like everything was a
joke--shootin' at that stump, and everything. He wasn't mad at nobody.
And he looked kind of like a dude."

Little Jim meanwhile amused himself by trying to rope the family cat
with a piece of clothesline. Uncle Frank, who took everything seriously,
asked Little Jim if he had told his father where the horses were.

"Sure I told him. Wouldn't you? They're dad's hosses, Filaree and Josh.
I guess he'll make ole Clubfoot Sneed give 'em back!"

"You want to be careful what you say about Mr. Sneed, Jimmy. And don't
you go to ridin' over that way again. We aim to keep out of trouble."

Little Jim had succeeded in noosing the cat's neck. That sadly molested
animal jumped, rolled over, and clawed at the rope, and left hurriedly
with the bit of clothesline trailing in its wake.