I ain't none shore but he seizes on the first chance to go stampedin'; an' without him these rites we-all is bankin' on would cripple down.' "'No, friends,' says the preacher sharp; 'I will promise to abide by you an' embrace no openin' to escape.

Since I'm here I will yoonite you-all as you wish; the more readily because I trusts that as man an' wife you'll prove a mootual restraint one upon the other; an' also for that I deems you both in your single-footed capac'ty as a threat to the commoonity.

Fear not; prepare yourse'fs an' I'll bring you together in the happy bonds of matrimony at the drop of the hat.' "'You notes, Dan,' says Texas Thompson, who's off to one side with Dan Boggs, 'you notes he talks like his heart's resentful.

Them culprits has r'iled him up; an' now he allows that the short cut to play even is to marry 'em as they deserves.

Which if you-all knows that former wife of mine, Dan, you'll appreciate what I says.' "Even after the preacher sharp gives his p'role, Abby acts plenty doobious.