"It don't make no difference, does it, Joe ?" "Not as I kin see," growled the other.

"Leastwise, her knowin' thet much.

'Tain't likely to do her no good, whichever way the cat jumps.
I reckon I'll have a smoke, Matt; I'm dry as a fish." "Same here; 'bout an hour till daylight, I reckon, Joe; pass the terbacco after yer light up." The glow of the match gave her swift view of the man's face; it was strange and by no means reassuring, showing hard, repulsive, the complexion as dark as an Indian's, the eyes bold and a bit bloodshot from drink.

Meeting her glance, he grinned unpleasantly.
"I don't pose fer no lady's man, like Matt," he said sneeringly, the match flaring between his fingers.

"That's what Bill sent me 'long fer, 'cause he know'd I'd 'tend ter business, an' not talk too much." "Your name is Joe ?" "Out yere--yes; Joe Sikes, if it pleases yer eny ter know.