Buck used to larrup yu about four times a day eight years ago." To their roars of laughter Hopalong dropped to the rear, where, red-faced and quiet, he bent his thoughts on how to get square.
"We'll have a pleasant time corralling that gang," began Billy for the third time.
"For heaven's sake get off that trail!" replied Lanky.

"We aint goin' to hold 'em up.

De-plomacy's th' game." Billy looked dubious and said nothing.

If he hadn't proven that he was as nervy as any man in the outfit they might have taken more stock in his grumbling.
"What's the latest from Abilene way ?" Asked Buck of Frenchy.
"Nothin' much 'cept th' barb-wire ruction," replied the recruit.
"What's that ?" Asked Red, glancing apprehensively back at Hopalong.
"Why, th' settlers put up barb-wire fence so's the cattle wouldn't get on their farms.

That would a been all right, for there wasn't much of it.