human
Hang me, if everything ain't going wrong, he muttered.
gpt
I won't stand it. I'll make a kick, and when I do---- He paused as a shadow among the trees caught his eye.
human
Who goes there?
gpt
A friend. Tucker, is that you?
human
Vorlange!
gpt
It's about time you showed up, growled Tucker, after a brief pause, during which the newcomer looked at him anxiously.
human
Say, Vorlange, when do you intend to settle up with me. Give it to me straight, now.
gpt
That's why I left the trail to hunt you up, Tucker--I knew you were anxious about that five hundred dollars.
human
Why shouldn't I be? It took me a long time to save it--a good sight longer than it did for you to gamble it away.
gpt
Tucker, I didn't gamble that away--I'll swear it. I used it in business.
human
Business? What business have you got outside of your position as a land office spy?
gpt
A good business, if you only knew it. I've been following up a little deal that started in the East--in New York. Out there I had to hire a fellow I could trust to work for me, and that took most of the money. But the whole thing is coming my way now, and I want to talk things over with you. How would you like to have a thousand back in return for the five hundred you loaned me?
human
What sort of a game are you working on me now?
gpt
A square deal, Tucker. I've been keeping my eye on you, and I reckon you are the fellow to do what I want done.
human
And what do you want done?
gpt
The boomers are going to try to cross into Oklahoma either to-morrow or day after. There will be a fight, I am certain of it, and somebody will be shot and killed. When you fire I want you to pick out your man--two men--or, rather, a man and a boy, if you can do it. I may be on hand to take part myself, but there is a possibility that I may be ordered elsewhere.
human
And you are willing to pay me five hundred extra for picking out my target, Vorlange?
gpt
You've struck it.
human
Who is the man?
gpt
Can I trust you?
human
Yes.
gpt
Pawnee Brown.
human
Why--why do you want him knocked over?
gpt
He is my enemy. I have hated him from my boyhood! cried Louis Vorlange.
human
And there are other reasons--he stands in the way of my pushing the scheme I mentioned.
gpt
Pawnee Brown was here but a short while ago. He insulted and abused me, growled Tucker.
human
I'll put a bullet through him quick enough if I get the chance--that is, in a skirmish. I don't want to run any risk of being strung up for--you know.
gpt
The shooting will be O. K., Tucker, and I'll help if I'm not ordered away. Do it and the five hundred extra are yours, I'll give you my word.
human
What about that boy you mentioned?
gpt
His name is Dick Arbuckle. He is----
human
Dick Arbuckle? I know him. He stole my horse. I captured him and Pawnee Brown came to his rescue and made me, Ross and Skimmy give him up,
gpt
Then you bear the lad no love?
human
Love? The cavalryman grated his teeth.
gpt
I was wishing I could get a shot at him.
human
Then keep that wish in mind, Tucker, when the time for action arrives.
gpt
If it's worth five hundred to you to have Pawnee Brown knocked over it ought to be worth more to have both of 'em laid low,
human
Five hundred in cold cash is a good deal in these times, was the slow answer.
gpt
But I'll tell you what I'll do. If, after a fight, you can bring me absolute proof that Pawnee Brown and Dick Arbuckle are dead I'll give you an even twelve hundred dollars, the five hundred I borrowed and seven hundred extra. There's my hand on it. What do you say?
human
Will you promise to give me the money as soon as you have the proofs?
gpt
I will,
human
All right, then; I take you up,
gpt
Don't you take it so hard, my lad; I feel certain that your father will turn up sooner or later.