“Oh, I dunno. I’ve made some winnings.”
“I can tell that by your eyes. You got ’em bloodshot, I reckon, hangin’ over the fire in squaw camps. White men can’t stand smoke like Injuns.”
This needle-tongued girl jabbed the truth into him in a way which maddened him, but he said conciliatingly:
“We don’t want to quarrel, kid.”
“You mean you don’t.” Susie slammed the door behind her.
The child’s taunt reawakened his interest in the Schoolmarm. He thought of her riding home alone, and grew restless. Besides, the dulness began to bore him.
“I’ll saddle up, Prairie Flower, and look over the ranch. When I come back I’ll let you know if it’s worth my while to stay.”
Tubbs was sitting on the wagon-tongue, mending harness, when Smith went out,
“Aimin’ to quit the flat?” inquired Tubbs.
“Feller, didn’t that habit of askin’ questions ever git you in trouble?”