The Strange Story of John Critchen's Big White

“Long time na see Jim” “Yip Long time na see Jake” “D’ja see?” “What?” “John Critchuns ‘n that danged Big White o’ his” “Caint say as I did” “They oughta be a law ‘gainst brangin’ cats inta tha saloon But he’s niver without his dang cat Don’t care ‘bout tha law Men in here should cumplain ‘Cep John’s mighty fast on tha draw” “Yip” “That thing’ll walk around top a poker table Flashin’ them big white teeth hisssn yet Dang thing’s sa careful not ta spill a chip Niver seen tha like” “Oh yeh?” “He’ll perch on John’s shoulder lick his ear Don’t bother John none” “Hmmm?” “Niver seen no cat sa big sa white sa downright mean Meanest cat I ever seen! Whatcha lookin at me thata way fer?” “Hmmm?” “Ya keep scratchin yer head” “Yip It’s strange” “What’s strange?” “When’s tha las time ya seen Big White? “Why jis las night why? “Member tha gun fight six weeks ago When tha Deeler boys held up tha stage out near Castle Rock?” “Yip” “Weel I was there I was there when John Critchuns and Big White saved tha day Big White went fer Luke Deeler jist as he uz pickin at the money box lock Critchuns drew on Luke too Then Pete Deeler brained Big White ith a rock” “Dead?” “Damn sure! Caved in his friggin head!”