human
Mr. Dwight, he said,
gpt
I am about to go to the Cumberland ranch. I gather that there is something of an unusual nature concerning them.
human
There is,
gpt
Can you tell me what it is?
human
I can.
gpt
Good! said the doctor, and he almost smiled.
human
It is always well to know the background of a case which has to do with mental states. Now, just what do you know?
gpt
I know-- began the proprietor, and then paused and eyed his guest dubiously.
human
I know, he continued,
gpt
Yes?
human
Yes, about a man and a hoss and a dog.
gpt
The approach seems not quite obvious, but I shall be glad to hear it.
human
Words, said the host, at length,
gpt
But the story?
human
That story, said Hank Dwight,
gpt
I may tell to my son before I die.
human
This sounds quite promising.
gpt
But I'll tell nobody else.
human
Really!
gpt
It's about a man and a hoss and a dog. The man ain't possible, the hoss ain't possible, the dog is a wolf.
human
I know, he muttered,
gpt
--he looked far, as though striking a silent bargain with himself concerning the sum of the story which might safely be told--
human
I've seen a hoss that understood a man's talk like you and me does--or better. I've heard a man whistle like a singing bird. Yep, that ain't no lie. You jest imagine a bald eagle that could lick anything between the earth and the sky and was able to sing--that's what that whistlin' was like. It made you glad to hear it, and it made you look to see if your gun was in good workin' shape. It wasn't very loud, but it travelled pretty far, like it was comin' from up above you.
gpt
That's the way this strange man of the story whistles?
human
Man of the story? echoed the proprietor, with some warmth.
gpt
Friend, if he ain't real, then I'm a ghost. And they's them in Elkhead that's got the scars of his comin' and goin'.
human
Ah, an outlaw? A gunfighter?
gpt
Listen to me, son, observed the host, and to make his point he tapped the hollow chest of Byrne with a rigid forefinger,
human
He concluded impressively:
gpt
Words is worse'n bullets!
human
Well, mused Byrne,
gpt
I can ask the girl these questions. It will be medically necessary.
human
Ask the girl? Ask her? echoed the host with a sort of horror. But he ended with a forced restraint:
gpt
That's _your_ business.