'I stopped here to get water for this steam man, as we call him. You know anything that travels by steam must have the water to generate it.'
'I say, younker, I don't want none of yer big words to me. Ef I h'ar any more, b'ars and bufflers, ef I don't crack yer over the head with Sweetlove, my shootin'-iron, so mind what yer say, fur I won't stand no nonsense.'
'I didn't wish to offend you,' returned the boy, in the meekest of tones.
'How far away might be Baldy?'
'I couldn't tell you exactly, but I think it is less than ten miles.'
'Be you goin' back to camp to-night?'
'It was my intention, that is, I meant to do so.'
'Guess I'll go with yer; but see hyar, younker, let's see yer try that old humbug of yourn.'
The boy sprung into the wagon, glad of the opportunity of getting rid of what looked like a dangerous man. Before he could start he was again peremptorily stopped.
'Yer see, I b'leeve yar a humbug, but if that ole thing does run, and, mind, I tell yer, I don't b'leeve it will, do yer know what I'm goin' to do?'