"So you're a suspicious character, are you?"
Jed's hand moved across his chin in the gesture habitual with him.
"I never knew it afore," he drawled. "A suspicious character is an important one, ain't it? I—er—I'm flattered."
"Humph! Well, you realize it now, I suppose?"
"Cal'late I'll have to, long's your—er—chummie there says it's so."
The expression of horror upon Lieutenant Rayburn's face at hearing himself referred to as "chummie" to his superior officer was worth seeing.
"Oh, I say, sir!" he explained. The major paid no attention.
"What were you and this man," indicating the big carpenter, "bristling up to each other for?" he inquired.
"Well, this guy he—" began the workman. Major Grover motioned him to be quiet.
"I asked the other fellow," he said. Jed rubbed his chin once more.