"Pardon you, I tell gripping tales of misadventure. Gripping," he said with an emphatic, though small gesture. The cigarette finally made it to his mouth for a slow drag. "I like to think my charming recollections are one of the reasons you haven't ridden off for greener pastures."

He passed the cigarette back and looked at the moon. Or rather, he took a moment to appreciate the way the scant moon-and-star-light looked on Billy.