"What!"

"On a tree near the Widow Schmitt's. I saw him. I know well the sailor
coat that he wears - and his best red-topped boots. Where's the
sheriff?"

"Over at Ah Quong's, the Chinee store on the edge of town." The boy ran
off. Old Jim Hutch rose impressively to his feet.

"Friends, the man ye hae laughed at all day - is dead. The man ye hae
always laughed at - and yet, WHO was it that lent ye gold when ye had
none? Yea, the gold ye thought it not worth ye'r while to return. Who
was ever ready to warm you at his bit fire in winter or to cool ye're
whuskey-hot throat with water from his cool spring in summer?

"Who was it that brought his mare into his own kitchen when it snowed,
and fed her the rice and beans he went without? Who was it that the
Widow Schmitt waits for year after year, with half the ould fools in
Placer dancin' after her?"

That was too much for old man Greeley.

"Because he was indifferent-like. When ye want a woman, run away
f-r-r-om her and she'll run after."

"Why did ye na do it, then, Jeems?"

"Faith an' I did, but bein' ahl dressed up as I was in me coat, she
couldn't see me suspenders to tell was I comin' or goin'!" Jim Hutch