Later, when the biscuits is done an' offen his mind,
Billy recalls all about it ag'in.
"'But 'Doby, who's a good talker an' a mighty tender gent that a-
way, jumps in an' comforts Manuela, an' shows her how this mule her
paw is stealin' is by way an' far the best mule in camp, an' at last
she dries her tears an' allows in her language that she's growin'
resigned. 'Doby winds up by he'pin' Manuela home with what's left of
her paw.
"'Which it's jest like that 'Doby,' says Billy, when he hears of his
partner packin' home his prey that a-way, an' his tones shows he
admires 'Doby no limit, `which it's shorely like him. Take folks in
distress, an' you-alls can bet your last chip 'Doby can't do too
much for 'em.' "Billy's disgust sets in like the rainy season,
however, when about two months later 'Doby ups an' weds this Mexican
girl Manuela. When Billy learns of said ceremony, he declines a seat
in the game, an' won't go near them nuptials nohow.
"'An' I declar's myse'f right yere,' says Billy. 'From now for'ard
it's a case of lone hand with me. I don't want no more partners.
When a gent with whom for ten years I've camped, trailed, an'
prospected with, all the way from the Dalls to the Gila, quits me
cold an' clammy for a squaw he don't know ten weeks, you can gamble
that lets me plumb out.
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