And then, the asking sometimes is the easiest part of it." "Then you'll ast Nory for me ?" "Well, if I could say a word, just a hint, you know--" "You won't!" exclaimed Sam bitterly, and in tones; of conviction.

"You won't! There ain't nobody won't! I've tried, an' there won't nobody! There'll be some d----d cow-puncher blow in there some day and marry that Nory girl, an' I never will git to tell her the way I feel." "Oh, yes, you will," said Franklin.

"It'll come to you some time; and when it does, friend," he added gravely, laying a hand upon Sam's shoulder, "I hope she'll not say no to you forever." "Forever, Cap ?" "Yes, it sometimes happens that way." "Forever?
Well, if Nory ever said no to me onct, that shore would settle it.

I know what I'd do: I'd sell out my barn an' I'd hit the trail mighty quick.

Do they ever do that way, Cap ?" "Yes," said Franklin, "they tell me that they sometimes do.