But Duane was alert, observing, thoughtful.

He never missed anything.

It was his belief that any moment an idle word might be of benefit to him.
Moreover, these rough men were always interesting.
"Bland's been chased across the river," said one.
"New, he's deliverin' cattle to thet Cuban ship," replied another.
"Big deal on, hey ?" "Some big.

Rugg says the boss hed an order fer fifteen thousand." "Say, that order'll take a year to fill." "New.

Hardin is in cahoots with Bland.