Nothing but the coin I give you to hire someone at every stop
to have that hoss you've left ready for me. Better still, if you can
have 'em, get a fresh hoss. Would they trust you with hosses that way,
Gary?"
"Gimme the coin and where they won't trust me I'll pay cash."
"I can do it. It'll about bust me, but I can do it."
"You going to try for a record between Brownsville and Elkhead, eh? Got
a bet up, eh?"
"The biggest bet you ever heard of," said Daniels grimly. "You can tell
the boys along the road that I'm tryin' for time. Have you got a fast
hoss to start with?"
"Got a red mare that ain't much for runnin' cattle, but she's greased
lightnin' for a short bust."
"Then get her out. Saddle her up, and be on your way. Here's my
stake--I'll keep back one twenty for accidents. First gimme a list of
the places you'll stop for the relays."
He produced an old envelope and a stub of soft pencil with which he
jotted down Gary Peters' directions.
"And every second," said Buck Daniels in parting, "that you can cut off
your own time will be a second cut off'n mine. Because I'm liable to be
on your heels when you ride into Elkhead."
Gary Peters lifted his eyebrows and then restored his pipe. He spoke
through his teeth.
"You ain't got a piece of money to bet on that, partner?" he queried
softly.
"Ten extra if you get to Elkhead before me."
"They's limits to hoss-flesh," remarked Peters.
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