- Paladin: I don't think you got a very good look at this gun while you had it. The balance is perfect. This trigger responds to a pressure of one ounce. If you look carefully in the barrel, you'll see the lines of rifling; that's rare in a hand weapon. This gun was handcrafted to my specifications, and I rarely draw it unless I mean to use it. Would you care for a demonstration?
- Jesse: The Rio Grande, she's running pretty low this time of year. So you won't have much trouble crossing. You're not deep enough into Mexico until you can see the Sierra Grande mountains. A half day's ride will bring you to the foothills. The only way to Perdito is through the passes. That's where I left 21 good men.
- Man: It is not permitted to quarrel in Perdito. Even among good friends. One comes to Perdito to rest and be safe.
- Paladin: You're a miserable, slimey, yellow, scrawny coward who bushwhacks men, or stabs, or shoots them in the back.