Jake often came to see Newt’s mother, Maggie, who had been a sporting girl. But Gus and Call took Newt in when Maggie died of fever. Newt has always wondered if Jake could be his father, but Newt’s last name is Dobbs. Call and Gus have mixed feelings about Jake. Call likes him but is suspicious of his smooth talk and love of fineries. Gus thinks Jake is entertaining but thinks he will end up in a noose.

Jake says he’s been in Montana on a scouting trip for the army. He says if they take cattle to Montana they’ll be rich. Jake also tells them that he shot and killed a dentist in Arkansas, but it was an accident. The dentist’s brother was the sheriff—July Johnson. The matter is complicated because Jake has an undeserved reputation as a gunfighter because of one lucky, improbable shot he made when he was a Ranger. Jake believes that Call and Gus will help him. He downplays the fact that he is on the run and hopes to use the cattle drive—and their protection— as cover for his escape.

Gus asks about Clara, and Call gets ready to leave. Call knows that Clara has been married for 15 years and he doesn’t want to hear about her.