However, assured that he was alone, he carefully examined his six- shooter, and began to reckon what chances there were for and against arresting Sillett single-handed. Ordinarily, he was quick enough at such calculations, but Bud introduced confusion into every sum. "I'm in an awful hole," reflected the unhappy Jeff.
The hole became a bottomless pit when Bud appeared in a pretty linen frock, and asked him demurely how he fared.
"You're looking worse," she said.
Changing her dress, she had cast off with the rough overalls such rugosities of manner, speech, and intonation as belonged to the ragamuffin of the foothills. Poor Jeff assumed his "society" manner and accent.
"If I'd only known," he began lamely.
"You never suspected?"
A note of anxiety escaped Jeff's ears.
"N-n-no. Of course not. Why, think how I handled you."
Sadie blushed.
"I'll forget everything," she whispered, showing a couple of dimples, "and we'll begin all over again, Mr.--Wells."