Jeff's voice (in quick surprise): "Parker? Why, I saw him only
yesterday, and he agreed to wait a spell longer."

The Stranger's voice: "Mebbee he did! Mebbee he heard afterwards suthin'
about the goin's on up yar. Mebbee he heard suthin' o' property bein'
converted into ready cash--sich property ez horses, guns, and sich!
Mebbee he heard o' gay and festive doin's--chickin every day, fresh
eggs, butcher's meat, port wine, and sich! Mebbee he allowed that his
chances o' gettin' his own honest grub outer his debt was lookin' mighty
slim! Mebbee" (louder) "he thought he'd ask the man who bought yer
horse, and the man you pawned your gun to, what was goin' on! Mebbee he
thought he'd like to get a holt a suthin' himself, even if it was only
some of that yar chickin and port wine!"

Jeff's voice (earnestly and hastily): "They're not for me. I have a
family boarding here, with a sick daughter. You don't think--"

The Stranger's voice (lazily): "I reckon! I seed you and her
pre-ambulating down the hill, lockin' arms. A good deal o' style,
Jeff--fancy! expensive! How does Aunt Sally take it?"

A slight shaking of the floor and window--a dead silence.

The Stranger's voice (very faintly): "For God's sake, let me up!"

Jeff's voice (very distinctly): "Another word! raise your voice above a
whisper, and by the living G--"

Silence.