Shorty and he had "crossed trails" the year before and the best of feelings did not exist between them.
Shorty stopped and stared at Skinny, who did likewise at Shorty.

Shorty turned his mount around and applied the spurs, thereby causing his indignant horse to raise both heels at Skinny.

The latter took it all in gravely and, as Shorty faced him again, placed his left thumb to his nose, wiggling his fingers suggestively.

Shorty took no apparent notice of this but began to shout: "Yu wants to keep yore busted-down cows on yore own side.

They was all over us day afore yisterday.