第26章

"No.But a man can keep from thinking more of a little tickling in his stomach than he does of the life of his fellowman.""Well, what I say is," replied Bill, "every fellow's got to look after himself.""Yes," agreed Shock, "and a little after the other fellows, too.If a man is sick--""Oh! now you're speakin'," interrupted Bill eagerly."Why, certainly.""Or if he is not very strong."

"Why, of course."

"Now, don't you think," said Shock very earnestly, "that kicking a man along that is already sliding toward a precipice is pretty mean business, but snatching him back and bracing him up is worth a man's while?""Well, I guess," said Bill quietly.

"That's the business I'm trying to do," said Shock."I'd hate to help a man down who is already on the incline.I think I'd feel mean, and if I can help one man back to where it's safe, I think it's worth while, don't you?"Bill appeared uncomfortable.He could not get angry, Shock's manner was so earnest, frank, respectful, and sincere, and at the same time he was sharp enough to see the bearing of Shock's remarks upon what was at least a part of his business in life.

"Yes," repeated Shock with enthusiasm, "that's worth while.Now, look here, if you saw a man sliding down one of those rocks there,"pointing to the great mountains in the distance, "to sure death, would you let him slide, or would you put your hand out to help him?""Well, I believe I'd try," said Bill slowly.

"But if there was good money in it for you," continued Shock, "you would send him along, eh?""Say, stranger," cried Bill indignantly, "what do you think I am?""Well," said Shock, "there's a lot of men sliding down fast about here, you say.What are you doing about it?" Shock's voice was quiet, solemn, almost stern.

"I say," said Bill, "you'd best put up your horse and feed.Yes, you've got to feed, both of you, and this is the best place you'll find for twenty miles round, so come right on.You're line aint mine, but you're white.I say, though," continued Bill, unhitching the cayuse, "it's a pity you've taken up that preachin' business.

I've not much use for that.Now, with that there build of yours"--Bill was evidently impressed with Shock's form--" you'd be fit for almost anything."Shock smiled and then grew serious.

"No," he said, "I've got to live only once, and nothing else seemed good enough for a fellow's life.""What, preachin'?"

"No.Stopping men from sliding over the precipice and helping them back.The fact is," and, Shock looked over the cayuse's back into Bill's eyes, "every man should take a hand at that.There's a lot of satisfaction in it.""Well, stranger," replied Bill, leading the way to the stable, "Iguess you're pretty near right, though it's queer to hear me say it.