Jim laughed carelessly. He had little doubt that the location was bad, but it went against his nature to quit before he had carried out his task. The first man stuck a wad of tobacco between his back teeth.
“That pardner o’ yourn don’t seem to take kindly to diggin’,” he ejaculated.
Jim stared at him, and then tightened his lips.
“No need to fly off the handle, Cap. I had a pard like him once, strong on paper but liked the other fellow to do the diggin’.”
“What the blazes are you talkin’ about?” 161 demanded Jim. “I ain’t inviting you to give opinions. What’s more, she ain’t a him. You go to hell—and quick about it!”
The man looked at his comrade and they both grinned. Jim put down the spade in a way that caused them to stare blankly.
“Wal, you’re some joker. Pete, am I blind? It’s no odds, anyway, and no offense meant, but by ginger! it’s the first time I’ve seen a woman smoke a two-dollar cigar.”
“What’s that?”
Jim suddenly felt dazed as a new explanation entered his mind. He stepped down towards the boat.
“What’s all this?” he inquired. “I’m kinder interested.”