Bob whinnies, and one of the talkers rushes over, grabs Homer, and lifts him up, accusing him of spying on them. He’s a large man one good eye and a “scabby eye socket,” black teeth and a crusted beard; “Every part of him smells of rot” (25). The man’s name is Stink Mullins. His partner, Smelt, small and weaselly, peers at Homer, poking at him, wanting to cut out his tongue so he can’t talk and reveal anything. They think Homer is spying for the local judge, but Homer convinces them he’s not.

Stink carries Homer to a makeshift lean-to, where another man lies tied up, his head covered in a sack. They tie up Homer, who begs Smelt to let him go, promising that his “rich uncle” will pay a hundred gold dollars as a reward. Suspicious, Smelt accuses Homer of stealing the horse. Homer insists he owns it, and for proof he has “Piles of papers. Deeds and bills of sale and proof of ownership” but “Left ’em in the safe in my uncle’s bank” (28). Smelt doesn’t believe him but he admires Homer’s ability to lie. Smelt has a plan.