“If you think he’ll annoy you——?” I made bold to suggest, for I greatly coveted the half of her seat.
“Oh, I’m not afraid of Jim. But yes, do sit down. You can put these things back in your seat. Then we can talk.”
I had no more than settled triumphantly, when the brakeman ambled through, his face in a broad grin. He also paused, to perch upon the seat end, his arm extended friendlily along the back.
“Well, we got him corralled,” he proclaimed needlessly. “That t’rantular juice nigh broke his neck for him.”
“Did you take his bottle away, Jerry?” she asked.
“Sure thing. He’ll be peaceable directly. Soused to the guards. Reckon he’s inclined to be a trifle ugly when he’s on a tear, ain’t he? They’d shipped him out of Benton on a down train. Now he’s going back up.”
“He’s safe, you think?”
“Sewed tight. He’ll sleep it off and be ready for night.” The brakeman winked at her. “You needn’t fear. He’ll be on deck, right side up with care.”
“I’ve told this gentleman that I’m not afraid,” she answered quickly. 41
“Of course. And he knows what’s best for him, himself.” The brakeman slapped me on the shoulder and good-naturedly straightened. “So does this young gentleman, I rather suspicion. I can see his fortune’s made. You bet, if he works it right. I told him if you cottoned to him——”