"I think Charley oughter be yore guardian," replied the foreman.
"He was," replied Hopalong.
"If we sees Tex we'll all grin hard," laughed Red, making for the
door. "Come on to th' contests-Lanky's gone already."
Muddy Wells streamed to the carnival grounds and relieved itself of
its enthusiasm and money at the booths on the way. Cow-punchers rubbed
elbows with Indians and Mexicans, and the few tourists that were
present were delighted with the picturesque scene. The town was full
of fakirs and before one of them stood a group of cow-punchers,
apparently drinking in the words of a barker.
"Right this way, gents, and see the woman who don't eat. Lived for
two years without food, gents. Right this way, gents. Only a quarter
of a dollar. Get your tickets, gents, and see-"
Red pushed forward:
"What did yu say, pard?" He asked. "I'm a little off in my near ear.
What's that about eatin' a woman for two years?"
"The greatest wonder of the age, gents. The wom-"
"Any discount for th' gang?" Asked Buck, gawking.
"Why don't yu quit smokin' an' buy th' lady a meal?" Asked Johnny
from the center of the group.
"Th' cane yu ring th' cane yu get!" came from the other side of the
street and Hopalong purchased rings for the outfit. Twenty-four rings
got one cane, and it was divided between them as they wended their way
toward the grounds.
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