I'm in trouble." Then she told him of Judkins's return, of the driving of the red herd, of Venters's departure on Wrangle, and the calling-in of her riders.
"'Pears to me you're some smilin' an' pretty for a woman with so much trouble," he remarked.
"Lassiter! Are you paying me compliments?
But, seriously I've made up my mind not to be miserable.

I've lost much, and I'll lose more.
Nevertheless, I won't be sour, and I hope I'll never be unhappy--again." Lassiter twisted his hat round and round, as was his way, and took his time in replying.
"Women are strange to me.

I got to back-trailin' myself from them long ago.

But I'd like a game woman.

Might I ask, seein' as how you take this trouble, if you're goin' to fight ?" "Fight! How?
Even if I would, I haven't a friend except that boy who doesn't dare stay in the village." "I make bold to say, ma'am--Jane--that there's another, if you want him." "Lassiter!...