It was the man's wink, more than his language, which angered me.
"Cut out your references to the lady," I said in a low tone, "unless you are starting in for trouble." "Oh, skittish, hey! Wal, stranger, I never run away frum no troble yet, an' I reckon I don't begin now.

Besides, yer need n't ride no high hoss with me.

I 'm on ter your game." His words sufficed to silence my batteries.

I felt no fear of the man, big as he was and armed, but the thought that he might have been sent there by either Neale or Vail, and informed of the conspiracy, made me cautious about angering him.

I must discover first the exact situation before locking horns with this Texas steer.
"Oh, do you!" I returned carelessly.