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'." "I have knowed it for a long time," said the other cheerfully; "but I heard 'Preachin' Bill' say once, that if a feller don't fuss about what he knows for sure, the things he don't know ain't apt to bother him none.

It's this here guessin' that sure gets a man down." "'Preachin' Bill' hits it every pop, don't he ?" exclaimed Jim, admiringly.

"But there's somethin' else you ought to know, too, Matt.