human
Mrs. Johnny, he said quietly, quickly,
gpt
I got to talk fast before Hoppy comes back. He lost his wife an' boy a month ago--fever--in four days. He's all broke up. Went loco a little, an' even came near shootin' me because I wouldn't let him go off by hisself. I've had one gosh-awful time with him, but finally managed to get him headed this way by talkin' about Johnny a-plenty. That got him, for th' kid allus was a sort of son to him. I'm figgerin' he'll be a lot better off down here on this south range for awhile. Even crossin' that blasted desert seemed to help--he loosened up his talk considerable since then. An' from th' way he grabbed that kid, I'm sayin' I'm right. Where is Johnny?
human
Oh! Margaret's breathed exclamation did not need the sudden moisture in her eyes to interpret it, and in that instant Red Connors became her firm, unswerving friend.
gpt
We'll do our best--and I think he should stay here, always. And Johnny will be delighted to have him with us, and you, too--Red.
human
Here he comes, warned her companion.
gpt
Where is Johnny? When will he get here?
human
Why, he took a herd down to Mesquite, she replied, smiling at Hopalong, who limped slowly into the room with Charley slung under his arm like a sack of flour.
gpt
He should be back any day now. And won't he be wild with delight when he finds you two boys here! You have no idea how he talks about you, even in his sleep--oh, if I were inclined to jealousy you might not be so welcome!
human
Ma'am, grinned Red, tickled as a boy with a new gun,
gpt
It was--but it's cleaned up. He didn't leave me in any danger--every man down here is our friend,
human
Well, two more won't hurt, nohow, grunted Red.
gpt
You say he ought to get here any day?
human
I'm spending more time at the south windows every day, she smiled.
gpt
I don't know what will happen to the housework if it lasts much longer!
human
South windows? queried Hopalong, standing Charley on his head before letting loose of him.
gpt
Th' trail is west, ain't it?
human
The idea! retorted Margaret.
gpt
Do you think my boy will care anything about any trail that leads roundabout? He'll leave the trail at the Triangle and come straight for this house! What are hills and brush and a miserable little creek to _him_, when he's coming home? I thought you knew my boy.
human
We did, an' we do, laughed Red.
gpt
I'm bettin' yore way--I hope he's got a good horse--it'll be a dead one if it ain't.
human
He's saving Pepper for the homestretch--if you know what _that_ means!
gpt
Hey, Red, said Charley, slyly.
human
Yore gun works, don't it?
gpt
Shore thing. Why?
human
Well, mine don't, sighed the boy.
gpt
Wonder if yourn is too heavy, an' strong, for a boy like me to shoot? _Bet_ it ain't.