- Mayor Trevor: Well, you know, we've been trying to collect head taxes on cattle for two years. That is, two bits a head for the bulls, ten cents for the cows, and calves. But the ranchers, they don't like the tax, and less than that, they don't like accounting for their animals. Most of them have been stolen, and strayed. We sent out a couple of men but they were shot at. And the others, well, they just beat it with what they could find from the collections.
- Paladin: My share?
- Mayor Trevor: A third.
- Paladin: I'll take a half.
- Mayor Trevor: Oh, well, now just wait a...
- Paladin: Half of everything is better than two thirds of nothing.
- Lewt Cutter: I thought you came out here to count herd and collect taxes. Only way you'll get anything out of that old buzzard is to pick his pockets after you got him stretched out.
- Jess Turner: Well, don't just hold it, mister. Swish her down, it's sweeter than dew.
- [Paladin takes a swig holding onto his hat and the sack of money in his other hand]
- Jess Turner: Refreshing, ain't it?
- Paladin: [Paladin has scarcely any voice] Bracing, I think is the word.