His hide war black, too, or nigh to it; but ef that skunk wan't white un'erneath a coatin' o' charcoal an' vermilion then Walt Wilder don't know a Kristyun from a heethun.

I ain't no use spek'latin' on't now.

White, black, yella-belly, or red, they've put us afoot on the parairia, an' kim darned nigh wipin' us out althegither.

We've got a fair chance o' goin' un'er yet, eyther from thirst or the famishment o' empty stomaks.

I'm hungry enuf already to eat a coyat.