human
I'd give my last ounce, and my shootin'-iron besides, mum, ef I could put yer on his trail; but I can't remember no such man; ken you, fellers?
gpt
I am very much obliged to you, gentlemen, said Mrs. Berryn.
human
I will go back to the crossing and take the next stage. Perhaps, Mr. Buffle, if I send you my address when I reach San Francisco, you will let me know if you ever find any traces of him?
gpt
Depend upon all of us for that, mum,
human
Thank you,
gpt
Wonder how she got here from the crossin'?
human
Ef she came alone, she's got a black ride back, said another.
gpt
It's nigh onto fourteen miles to that crossin'.
human
An' she orten't to be travelin' at all, said little Muggy, the smallest man of the party.
gpt
I'm a family man--or I wuz once--an' I tell yer she ort to be where she ken keep quiet, an' wait for what's comin' soon.
human
This game's up, boys, said Buffle, rising suddenly.
gpt
The stage don't reach the crossin' till noon, an' she is goin' to hev this shanty to stay in till daylight, anyhow. You fellers had better git, right away.
human
Mum!
gpt
Yer don't need to start till after daylight to reach that stage, mum, an' you'd better come back and rest yerself in my shanty till mornin'.
human
I am very much obliged, sir, she replied,
gpt
Don't be afeard, mum, said Buffle, hastily.
human
We're rough, but a lady's as safe here as she'd be among her family. Ye'll have the cabin all to yerself, an' I'll leave a revolver with yer to make yer feel better.
gpt
You are very kind, sir, but--it will take me some time to get back.
human
Horse lame, p'r'aps?
gpt
No, sir; the truth is, I walked.
human
Good God! ejaculated Buffle;
gpt
I'll kill any scoundrel of a station-agent that'll let a woman take such a walk as this. I'll take you back on a good horse before noon to-morrow, and I'll put a hole through that rascal right before your eyes, mum.