and not amiably inclined toward the small talk of the range. But Pink had
slept five whole hours and was almost his normal self; which means that
speech was not to be denied him.

"What yuh mourning over?" he bantered. "Mad 'cause the reservation's so
close?"

"Sure," assented Rowdy, with deep sarcasm.

"That's what I thought. Studying up the nicest way uh giving brother-in-law
the glad hand, ain't yuh?"

"He's no relation uh mine--and never will be," said Rowdy curtly. "And I'll
thank you, Pink, to drop that subject for good and all."

"Down she goes," assented Pink, quite unperturbed. "But the cards ain't all
turned yet, yuh want to remember, I wouldn't pass on no hand like you've
got. If I wanted a girl right bad, Rowdy, I'd wait till I got refused before
I'd quit."

"Seems to me you've changed your politics lately," Rowdy retorted. "A while
back you was cussing the whole business; and now you're worse than an old
maid aunt. Pink, you may not be wise to the fact, but you sure are an
inconsistent little devil."

"Are yuh going t' hunt Harry up and--"

"I thought I told you to drop that."

"Did yuh? All right, then--only I hope yuh didn't leave your gun packed away