"What business is it of yours how she is?" was the quick retort.
"Now don't git cranky, woman," Dan replied; "it doesn't work with me."
"Indeed," and Meg gave a sarcastic laugh. "Don't try any of your bluff game here. It doesn't work with me, either."
"I'm not, woman, an' ye'll soon find it out if ye try any foolin'. If anythin' happens to the lassie wot lives with ye, beware. Buckskin Dan isn't in the habit of talkin' simply to hear his own eloquence. I want to know how the gal is feelin' this mornin'. Will ye tell me? Is it yes or no?"
The defiant look on Old Meg's face changed to one of concern. She was becoming uneasy before those steady eyes which seemed to be reading her inmost soul.
"What does the man know?" she mentally asked herself. "What does he mean by such words?" She knew of Buckskin Dan, and for him to visit her on such business was sufficient cause for anxiety. She shifted uneasily from one foot to the other, and tried to evade his look.
"Is it yes or no? I won't ax ag'in."
"Oh, well, if you must know," she flung forth, "she's all right. It takes a deal to upset her."
"Ah, is that so? An' the kid, how is he gittin' along?"
"Better. Out in a day or two. Now, are you satisfied?"