Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/201

Rh "What's all this talk about then, I would like to know?" demanded Jacob.

"Oh, it's all Josh's foolishness," replied Russell lightly. "I say, Josh," he added, turning to his huge companion as he spoke, "have n't you eaten enough?"

"Have I?" responded Josh blankly, pausing in his occupation for a moment.

"Yes, I think you have. We must be pushing on. Better take a look at your pistols before we go. See that the priming is all right." As he spoke Russell drew forth his own weapon, and, apparently examining its priming, placed it on the table before him. His companion followed his example but laughed as he thrust the weapon back into his belt and said, "I don't know 's I care much 'bout such popgun affairs anyhow. As long as I 've got that 'long with me, I 'm not scared o' any mortal man I 've ever yet set eyes on." As he spoke Josh held up his immense and shapeless fist for the inspection of the men.

"I'd rather be hit by a bullet than by that bunch of bones, had n't you, Jake?" laughed Russell, turning to the landlord.

"I don't believe I'd choose either one o' 'em," replied Jacob quietly.

"But that's just what you 'll have to do,