Although Austin lowered his voice, she drew nearer, prepared to take an intelligent interest in the "new riffles up on Skookum."
When Austin had first called Seymour, the Colonel started, looked up, and watched the little scene with suspicion and growing anger. Seeing Seymour's eyes turn his way, the Kentuckian stopped shovelling, and, on a sudden impulse, called out:
"See here, Austin: if you've any complaints to make, sah, you'd better make them to my face, sah."
The conversation about riffles thus further interrupted, a little silence fell. The Superintendent stood in evident fear of his employer, but he hastened to speak conciliatory words.
"No complaint at all—one of the best hands."
"May be so when he ain't sick," said Austin contemptuously.
"Sick!" the Boy called out. "Why, you're dreamin'. He's our strong man—able to knock spots out of anyone on the creek, ain't he?" appealing to the gang.
"I shall be able to spare him from my part of the creek after to-night."
"Do I understand you are dismissing me?"
"Oh, go to hell!"