human
He won't do it, she said,
gpt
He'll be sure of it before he gets through.
human
No, no, Tex! Don't shoot anybody--please! Listen, I've got a plan that will get you out of here. But first, you've got to promise that you will see Win. We've set our hearts on it, and you _must_.
gpt
What's the good?
human
Please, for my sake, promise me.
gpt
I'd do anything in the world for your sake, he said, simply.
human
I'll promise. Tell Win to drift over to Claggett day after tomorrow, an' I'll meet him somewhere along the trail.
gpt
Surely? You won't disappoint us?
human
You don't think I'd lie to you?
gpt
No, forgive me, I-- she paused and looked straight into his eyes,
human
Tell me straight out what it is, an' I'll tell you straight out what I'll do.
gpt
Promise me you won't drink any more until--until after you've seen Win.
human
It's only a couple of days. Yes, I'll promise, he answered,
gpt
It really isn't my plan at all, she whispered,
human
Ike Stork,
gpt
Yes, that's his name, and he said to tell you it was the best bet, whatever that is.
human
I get him. Go on.
gpt
Well, he says there's some kind of a chute that they slide the beer-kegs down into the cellar with, and for you to go down and climb up the chute. It will let you out into the alley between this building and the livery stable. The marshal hasn't thought of posting any guards there, and Ike's horse is tied in the alley, and you're to take him and make a dash out the front way, right through the crowd. He says they'll all fall over each other and be so scared that they won't think to shoot till you've had a chance to get away.
human
Good old Ike! he chuckled.
gpt
You tell him I say he's a bear!
human
He said it would be fun to see them trample over each other getting out of the way.
gpt
I'll sure see that he gets his money's worth,
human
You won't--_hurt_ anyone?
gpt
Not onless some of 'em don't get out of the road. Might knock down a few with the horse, but that won't hurt 'em to speak of. It wouldn't pain me none to knock that marshal about half ways down the street--not for anything he's done to me, but because I've got a hunch he talked pretty rough to you.
human
Oh, I hope it's all right, whispered the girl,
gpt
Work! Of course it'll work! I've got it all pictured out right now. It's a peach! Just you get off to one side far enough so's not to get caught in the rush, an' you'll see some fun. Tell Ike not to forget to put up an awful howl about losin' his cayuse, just to make the play good.
human
Do you think he's really sincere--that it isn't just a trick to get you out where they can shoot you? How long have you known this Ike Stork?
gpt
Dead sure. The Texan's tone was reassuring,
human
Good-bye, Tex--till day after tomorrow.
gpt
You're goin' to be there, too? That'll make it harder--but--all right.
human
Remember, smiled the girl,
gpt
Too bad you hadn't been born in the West, so Win would never known you--then--maybe----
human
What shall I tell our friend the marshal?
gpt
Just tell him not to order any extra meals sent down to the jail on my account. An', here, tell him the drinks are on the house, he handed the girl a quart bottle of whisky.
human
That'll keep 'em from gettin' restless before the show starts.
gpt
Well, what'd he say, now?
human
He said, answered the girl, scornfully,