As Mr. Harper has already told you, we sat on the slope of the hill
and watched the outlaws purloin part of the flock. I believe that my
ancestors were fighting-stock, for my gorge arose at the sight, and I
was filled with visions of revenge. Perhaps it was the spirit of the
West that possessed me, but at any rate I arose and shook a folded
fist in their direction.
“Go ahead and cuss, professor,” said Dirty Shirt. “If you get stuck
for a word, maybe me or Ike can supply it.”
Now, I am going to make no attempt to quote them. At times they talk
in academic English, and at other times a jargon. Professor Middleton
will bear me out in saying that their language is both weird and
wonderful, and also easy to acquire.
I am sure that our friends were shocked at our conversation when we
related our experiences, and it required constant vigilance over our
tongues to keep from—as Ike said—“talking like a he-man.” I feel that
Middleton was a worse offender than I in that respect.