human
I don't like to say that, Miss Louise. Very likely they have stray--drifted, I mean--back toward their home ranch. Peter and I can't keep cases very closely, of course.
gpt
If you think you've lost some cattle, for heaven's sake why don't you say so! (Ward smiled to himself at her tone.)
human
If there's anything I hate, it's hinting and never coming right out with anything. Have you lost any?
gpt
Peter says we have, he admitted, with very evident reluctance.
human
I hardly think so myself. I'd have to count them. I know, of course, how many we've bought in the last year.
gpt
Well, Peter knows more about it than you do, Billy Louise told him bluntly.
human
If he has missed any, they're probably gone.
gpt
I was in hopes you would be on my side, Miss Louise. Charlie smiled deprecatingly.
human
I've argued with Aunt Martha and Peter until-- But I didn't know you were a confirmed pessimist as well!
gpt
You didn't neglect to put your brand on them, did you?
human
Really, Miss Louise, you've no mercy on a tenderfoot, have you? he protested.
gpt
No, they are all branded, really they are. Peter and Aunt Martha saw to that,
human
It seems queer, said Billy Louise, thinking aloud.
gpt
Ward, there certainly is rustling going on around here; and no one seems to know a thing beyond the mere fact that they're losing cattle. Seabeck has lost some--
human
Oh, are you sure? Charlie's eyes widened perceptibly.
gpt
I hadn't heard that. By Jove! It sort of makes a fellow feel shaky about going into cattle very strong, doesn't it? It--it knocks off the profits like the very deuce, to keep losing one here and there.
human
A fellow has to figure on a certain percentage of loss, said Ward.
gpt
This the new gate?
human
Yes. Charlie seemed relieved by the diversion.
gpt
Just merely a gate, as you see; but we Covers are proud of every little improvement. Aunt Martha comes up here every day, I verily believe, just to look at it and admire it. The poor old soul never had any conveniences that she couldn't make herself, you know, and she thinks this is great stuff. I put this padlock on it so she can lock herself in, nights when I'm away. She feels better with the gate locked. And then I've got a dog that's as good as a company of soldiers himself. If either of you happen down here when there's no one about, you will have to introduce yourselves to Cerberus--so named because he guards the gates--not the gate to Hades, please remember. Surbus, Aunt Martha calls him, which is good Idahoese and seems to please him as well as any other. Just speak to him by name--Surbus if you like--and he will be all right, I think.