Page:Morley roberts--Painted Rock.djvu/55

 "Me defend him, Jeff! He's the meanest sort of murderer. He don't take chances with any but old men and tender-feet. He ain't the man to kill when it ain't self-defence. He looks for self-defence, and is greedy for it. I'd like to see him laid out cold, and before I buried him in style I'd see the dogs eat him."

"I'll kill him," said Jeff. "Will you sleep here, Bill, and lend me your pony so's I can go into town and see Paw? I'll send the pony back early."

"You kin ride," said Bill; "I'll stay here. Do you mean what you say, Jeff?"

"Sure's death," said Jeff. "Ain't he killed Paw? Who else is there?"

Bill Davies took him by the hand.

"You're a man, Jeff, and I'll be proud of you. But reklec' he's quick on the trigger. Don't take no chances. He won't give none."

"I'll give him none," said Jeff.

"You're a boy after all," mused the cowboy, "and if you kill him there will be those that'll sympathise with you, Jeff. But p'raps