Kaylee had coached him.

She never paid full price if she didn't have to, which he had witnessed on several occasions. So as Colter drove then down the bumpy road, Kaylee explained to him how to talk and act. Soon enough the truck pulled up to a ranch that had to be at least three times the size of New Haven, with a long barn and pastures that contained numerous horses. When they parked in a small lot where other crafts were, the trio got out of the rusted up vehicle as a ranch hand went to tell Boss Tig that there were visitors about.

"Remember, look him straight 'n the eye, be like the Cap'n when he haggles fer supplies." Kaylee offered with a small voice. "Don't hesitate when it comes ta the prices, makes you look weak, he'll take advantage."

"And don't feel overwhelmed." Colter drawled out. "Man sells at a high price and with a flourish, offly proud sell rigs with his ponies. Regardless it's worth all the pomp. Better too than the other horse rancher."

"Why?" Kaylee quizzed.

"His barn is a shanty, he's as drunk as a fish swimmin' in beer and his horses are as sickly as they are cheap." He explained. "Only reason he's in business is 'cause Tig here is so proud 'n pricey that stragglers who don't wrangle end up buying his stock."

"Oh. So... guess we better strike it well with this guy. Huh." She muttered, looking up at Simon nervously.

"Smart conclusion, with his affluence it's best ta have him on yer right side."

Simon briskly nodded his head, blue orbs riveting to where the man he could only assume was Boss Tig was coming from. He was a large man, hefty and round like a pâté goose. Stuffed into a suit that was rich for a Shadow pioneer. He wore a white straw cowboy hat and had a cigar between his teeth, with brown mutton chops hiding fat ruddy cheeks. As he moveded, he favored his left foot while walking with a black cane, and four of his ranch hands trailed behind. Colter Irving began walking himself, the doctor and mechanic followed.

"Colter!" He boomed. "What do I owe the pleasur