I was hiding right there in those bushes, close enough to see all that happened, and I know that this is a Cross-Triangle calf, and that Nick and you worked the brand over.

You know that it means the penitentiary for you, as well as for Nick, if the boys don't string you both up without any ceremony." Patches paused to let his words sink in.
Joe's face was ashy white, and he was shaking with fright, as he stole a sneaking look toward his horse.
Patches added sharply, "You can't give me the slip, either; I can kill you before you get half way to your horse." Trapped and helpless, Joe looked pleadingly at his captor.

"You wouldn't send me up, would you, now, Patches ?" he whined.

"You an' me's good friends, ain't we?
Anyway he wouldn't let me go to the pen, an' the boys wouldn't dast do nothin' to me when they knew." "Whom are you talking about ?" demanded Patches.

"Nick?
Don't be a fool, Joe; Nick will be there right alongside of you." "I ain't meanin' Nick; I mean _him_ over there at the Cross-Triangle--Professor Parkhill.