The rider shrugged his shoulders.
“Reckon I’ll take that dipper now,” he said, extending a hand for it. Elfreda gave it to him, and keen as his eyes were, it is doubtful if he discovered the fear that Elfreda felt. After stepping back she got a broom and began sweeping up the cabin floor, which she was still doing when the man returned from the spring. Hearing him coming, she stepped outside.
“Thankee,” he said, returning the dipper.
“What would ye say, lady, if I told ye I wanted to search the shack?” he asked.
“I should say no!” was the emphatic reply.
“And what if I decided to do it anyhow?” grinned the mountain rider.
“I’d shoot you!” she answered coldly.
“Sufferin’ cats! I believe ye would. Never can tell what these quiet kind might do. Can I have a look at the little toy?” he teased.
“You may look at the muzzle, if you wish.”
The fellow laughed and slapped his thigh.