He kept his touch slow and even, more to soothe than to tease while Arthur recounted his last days and the Medicine Seller got a better idea of the interpersonal relations of his former gang.

"It is difficult to keep up with the news out here."

And everything in the states was so far apart; once the Medicine Seller might go a week or so without hitting a town in his travels, but here, a month could easily pass with him barely seeing signs of human settlement.

"You called John your brother before. If that fraternity was mutual, I am sure he would wish to at least hear you were well."

Regardless of all the questions that would probably bring up.

"...Or do you think it better to cut ties with your old gang entirely and start fresh?"

...As fresh as one could, at least.