It's only a wonder that you ain't overrun with thieves and sich like." "There are usually servants about the place," said Demorest, carelessly.
"Ef they're the same breed ez that Manuel, I reckon I'd almost as leave take my chances in the road.

Ef it's all the same to you I kalkilate to put a paytent fastener to my door and winder to-night.

I allus travel with them." Seeing that Demorest only shrugged his shoulders without replying, he continued, "Et ain't far from here that some folks allow is the headquarters of that cattle-stealing gang.

The driver of the coach went ez far ez to say that some of these high and mighty Dons hereabouts knows more of it than they keer to tell." "That's simply a yarn for greenhorns," said Demorest, contemptuously.
"I know all the ranch proprietors for twenty leagues around, and they've lost as many cattle and horses as I have." "I wanter know," said Ezekiel, with grim interest.

"Then you've already had consid'ble losses, eh?
I kalkilate them cattle are vally'ble--about wot figger do you reckon yer out and injured ?" "Three or four thousand dollars, I suppose, altogether," replied Demorest, shortly.
"Then you don't take any stock in them yer yarns about the gang being run and protected by some first-class men in Frisco ?" said Ezekiel, regretfully.
"Not much," responded Demorest, dryly; "but if people choose to believe this bluff gotten up by the petty thieves themselves to increase their importance and secure their immunity--they can.