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"I heard dogs behind," Ahn-Kha said The Grog was the only one who didn't look dejected He rubbed a bullet tip on his bandolier with the large thumb particular to the Golden Ones' hands

"That's it, then," Post said "We can't get back to Texas"

"Listen up," Valentine said loudly, and his co hundreds-was brought to life by prods frouns with ammunition still between us"-Valentine still carried his old PPD out of affectation; it was as i from the soil-"and I've not seen a hint of friendly forces"

Jefferson, the Texas drover at the horse's head, asked, "Howafter us?"

"More than enough"

He let that sink in for ato have to ask you to trustprisoners"

"You want to surrender?" Post asked

"Worse," Valentine said "I want all of you to surrender We fight it out here and we'll just be dead Giving up, you have a chance"

"They'll feed us before they'll kill us," Striper said "I'll hold h, if itat tears

"I'll follow I expect they'll take you back to Bern Woods; we've been heading that way for the last two hours, and we knowwill turn up"

"I could play that I'ht keep an eye on me, but leave me free"

"No, I'll need you at the town"

"You want to see if there's any Quickwood left?" Ahn-Kha asked

"I want the rest of our men The ill have to wait"