"Well, whut?"

"I'd just like to ask you what makes you tell me that, when I'm a perfect
stranger to you, and when perhaps you may never see me again?"

"Well, now," said the cowboy, pushing back his hat and scratching his
head thoughtfully, "blame if I know why, but I just 'lowed I could,
sorter. An' I _kin_!"

"But why?"

"Say, you're the d----dest feller I ever did see. You got to have a
reason fer everything on earth?" His tone became more truculent. "First
place, 'f I didn't have no other reason, I kin lick ary man on earth that
walks."

"Friend," said Franklin, "get down off that horse, and I'll give you a
little wrestle to see who rides. What's your name, anyhow?"

"Whoa!" said the other. "Name's Curly." He was on the ground as he said
this last, and throwing the bridle over the horse's head. The animal
stood as though anchored. Curly cast his hat upon the ground and trod
upon it in a sort of ecstasy of combat. He rushed at Franklin without
argument or premeditation.

The latter had not attended country school for nothing. Stepping lightly
aside, he caught his ready opponent as he passed, and, with one arm about
his neck, gave him a specimen of the "hip-lock" which sent him in the air
over his own shoulder. The cowboy came down much in a heap, but