human
Didn't dare let it wander, an' they plugged it after it got struck,
gpt
Careful, they was, commented his companion.
human
They was too careful. If they'd let it wander it wouldn't 'a' told nothin', 'specially if it wandered toward home. But shootin' it, an' then doin' _this_--I reckon our comeback is takin' on weight.
gpt
It shore is, emphatically said Red.
human
Cuss this hard ground! It don't tell nothin'. They went north or south--an' not long ago, neither. Which way are you ridin'?
gpt
If they went either way they'd be seen. I got a feelin' they went right across. Greasers an' Injuns know that desert, an' there's both kinds workin' for Kane. It allus has been a shore-thing way for 'em. Remember what Idaho said?
human
It can't be done,
gpt
Slippery Trendly an' Deacon Rankin did it.
human
But they only crossed one corner,
gpt
McLeod's Texans did it!
human
They didn't cross much more'n a corner, retorted Red.
gpt
An' look what it _did_ to 'em!
human
It's a straight drive for them valleys along th' Cimarron, mused Hopalong.
gpt
Nobody to see 'em come or go, good grass to fatten 'em up after they got there, an' plenty of time for blottin' th' brands. I'll bet Kane's got men that knows how to get 'em over. There's water-holes if you only know where to look, an' how to head for 'em; an' some of these half-breeds down here know all of that. If they went north or south on a course far enough east to keep many folks from seein' 'em they'd find it near as dry. Well, we better go down an' meet th' Kid before we do anythin' else. We got our bearin's an' can find th' way back again. What you say?
human
If I'm goin' to ride around out here I'm goin' to have plenty of water, an' that means canteens. I'm near chokin' for a drink; an' this cayuse is gettin' mean. Come on.
gpt
We might pick up some tracks if we hunt right now, said Hopalong.
human
If we wait longer this wind'll blot 'em out. I ain't thirsty, he lied.
gpt
You go down an' meet th' Kid an' I'll look around east of here. We can't gamble with this: if I find tracks they'll save us a lot of ridin' an' guessin'. Go ahead.
human
If you stay I stay,
gpt
Listen, you chump, retorted Hopalong.
human
It's only a few hours more if I stay out here than if I go with you. Get canteens an' supplies. Th' Kid can bring us more tomorrow. I'm backin' my guess: get a-goin'.