“But I had not the strength nor the inclination to bandy words with a drunkard. What have you done when you have bested a fool?”

“What have you done when you have bested a fool?”

“If you want anything done right you will have to see to it yourself every time.”

“I know what they said even if they would not say it to my face. People love to talk. They love to slander you if you have any substance.”

“Nothing is too long or too short either if you have a true and interesting tale and what I call a "graphic" writing style combined with educational aims.”

“MR.GOUDY: I believe you testified that you backed away from Aaron Wharton.MR.COGBURN: That is right.MR.GOUDY: You were backing away?MR.COGBURN: Yes sir. He had that ax raised.MR.GOUDY: Which direction were you going?MR.COGBURN: I always go backwards when I am backing up.”

“Who is the best marshal they have?'The sheriff thought on it for a minute. He said, 'I would have to weigh that proposition. There is near about two hundred of them. I reckon William Waters is the best tracker. He is a half-breed Comanche and it is something to see, watching him cut for sign. The meanest one is Rooster Cogburn. He is a pitiless man, double-tough, and fear don't enter into his thinking. He loves to pull a cork. Now L.T. Quinn, he brings his prisoners in alive. He may let one get by now and then but he believes even the worst of men is entitled to a fair shake. Also the court does not pay any fees for dead men. Quinn is a good peace officer and a lay preacher to boot. He will not plant evidence or abuse a prisoner. He is straight as a string. Yes, I will say Quinn is about the best they have.'I said, 'Where can I find this Rooster?”