Jim hesitated. His gaunt hands caressed The smooth guard of his rifle. His eyes were sharp. “Might go along a piece together,” he said. Luke didn’t move. Their eyes clashed for a moment, Then Luke spoke, casually. “I hear the Kelceys Air goin’ to fight in this here war,” he said. Jim nodded slowly, “Yuh, I heerd that too.” He watched Luke’s trigger-hand. “I might be goin’ Myself sometime,” he said reflectively Sliding his own hand down. Luke saw the movement. “We-uns don’t like the Kelceys much,” he said With his eyes down to pinpoints. Then Jim smiled. “We-uns neither,” he said. His hand slid back.