though naturally I has my preference," he added, his harsh voice
suddenly changing to the accent of comradeship. "As to Bill, he
ain't got no choice. He come and put up with me and Lahoma when
nobody didn't want him, and now, in time of danger, I 'low to get
all the help out of him that's there in spite of a begrudging
disposition and the ravages of time."

"What I want to know is this," Bill interrupted: "Who and what is
this Red Kimball? And if you have to hide from him, why ain't you
doing it?"

"I puts it this way, Bill: that the telegram traveled faster than
old Red could, so no need to hide till tonight, though when you
deals with Red, it behooves you to have your gun ready against
chances. You want to know about Red Kimball? But I think I'd best
wait till Lahoma's letter comes, so my story can tally with hers.
I got my reasons for not wanting to tell all about Red Kimball which
I reckon he wouldn't be grateful for, but that's for him to say.
So I 'lows to tell only as much as I has to tell, that depending on
what Lahoma has picked up, according."

"I suppose you've met him face to face?" growled Bill.

"They don't seem to be no harm in that question, Bill, but you never
knows where a first question is leading you. If I refuses to answer
what seems fair and square, no suspicions is roused when I refuses
to answer what might sound dark and shady. So I banks myself
against my general resolution to say nothing beyond Lahoma's word."

"Her word says he can prove everything. What is 'everything'?"