‘It’s his natur,’ the man answered. ‘He don’t like you; he’s a very good judge, is Lion—he knows my pals in a minute.’
‘I suppose you mean he knows your friends from your enemies?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then he ought not to growl at me. I’m one of your friends.’
‘You’re friendly as long as it suits yer purpose, that’s all.’
‘All right, Heckett; have it your own way. How’s the head?’
‘Orful; can’t sleep with it.’
‘Let’s look at it again.’
With a hand as gentle as a woman’s, Birnie removed the bandages, and examined the wounded man.
After carefully looking at a rapidly healing wound, he put back the strappings and the linen, and felt the patient’s pulse.