“I didn’t want it. You may claim it yourself if you want to.”
“But she don’t know what’ Cyclops’ means, Davy. Great Cæsar! I’m a goner if she does.”
“Swickey has been going to school for two years, Wallie, and she isn’t slow. You can never tell.”
“Oh, well, I’ve got to square myself with Avery anyway. He’s had it in for me ever since I desecrated his Eden with survey-stakes. Speaking of stakes, did you notice the N. M. & Q. iron was laid up to the creek below Jim Cameron’s?”
“No, I didn’t. I was thinking of something else.”
“Asbestos?”
“Yes. Livingstone and the committee will be up here in a few days and I was wondering what we—that is, where we could put them if they stay overnight.”
“Oh, Livy’s a good sort—about as good a mining expert as there is east of the Rockies, and that’s going some. They’re satisfied with his report (you know I had him up here the first year I was in—before you came), but I think they want an excuse to annex a private car and take a joy-ride. Say, can’t I help you tidy up a bit, or something?”
“No, you sit still and talk. I’ll get the bunks straightened out in a minute.”
“All right, Mary. Don’t forget to sweep under the bed.”