"You needn't think all the Catrockers are dead or in jail.

They's a few left and they'd kill yuh quicker'n they'd take a drink." Bud, embarrassed at the emotion behind his statement, rather than ashamed of the remark itself, made no reply.
Much as Eddie desired silence, he himself pulled up and spoke again when Bud had ridden close.
"I guess you come through the Gap," he whispered.

"They's a shorter way than that--Sis don't know it.

It's one the bunch uses a lot--if they catch us--I can save my hide by makin' out I led you into a trap.

You'll get yours, anyway.