ever since you was born, and you ought to know me a little.
'Tain't your way to dodge, and 'tain't mine. I reckon you know
you're welcome, same as always, don't you?"

Young Matt returned the other's look fairly; "I ain't never
doubted it, Jim. But things is a heap different now, since it's
all done and settled, with Ollie gone."

The two understood each other perfectly. Said Jim, drawing a long
breath, "Well I wish you'd come over just the same, anyway. It
can't do nobody no harm as I can see."

"It wouldn't do me no good," replied the young man.

"Maybe not," assented Jim. "But I'd like mighty well to have you
come just the same." Then he drew closer to his young friend;
"I've been aimin' to ride over and see you, Matt; but Sammy said
you was a comin' this evenin', and I 'lowed this would be soon
enough. I reckon you know what Wash Gibbs is tellin' he aims to do
first chance he gets."

The giant drew himself up with a grim smile, "I've heard a good
bit, Jim. But you don't need to mind about me; I know I ain't
quite growed, but I am a growin'."

The older man surveyed the great form of the other with a critical
eye, as he returned, "Durned if I don't believe you'd push him
mighty close, if he'd only play fair. But--but I 'lowed you ought
to know it was a comin'."