Charles Portis

I was just fourteen years of age when a coward going by the name of Tom Chaney shot my father down in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and robbed him of his life

a cotton house made over into a little cabin. It had a good roof.

The wicked flee when none pursueth.

Captain Finch looked LaBoeuf over, then said to Rooster, “Is this the man who shot Ned’s horse from under him?”

Rooster said, “Yes, this is the famous horse killer from El Paso, Texas. His idea is to put everybody on foot. He says it will limit their mischief.”

No sir, I was not ready to work for her and I told her so. There is no generosity in women. They want everything coming in and nothing going out. They show no trust. Lord God, how they hate to pay you! They will get the work of two men out of you and I guess they would beat you with whips if they was able to. No sir, not me. Never. A man will not work for a woman, not unless he has clabber for brains.”

I showed him the note from the sheriff. After he had read it he was not disposed to be so short with me.

The killer has flown to the Territory and is now on the scout there.

I cannot make an agreement with a child. You are not accountable. You cannot be bound to a contract

The marshals were unloading the prisoners and poking them sharply along with their Winchester repeating rifles.

chained beasts were murderers and robbers