“Well, what is it, Shoshone?”
With a hoarse croak, meant to be a persuasive accent, Shoshone asked, stammering sheepishly:
“Boy or gal, ma’am?”
“Both!” replied Helen, gravely, while Shoshone slapped his leg with the hat, shouting:
“By the howlin’ coyote, boys, it’s twins! Now ain’t that Silver Bill the luckiest cuss! A wife like a mountain-pink, and now twins! Just think!”
Helen turned to Snakes, saying:
“Snakes, may I have a bite to eat before I go to my shack? I’m too tired to do anything but go to sleep.”
“May she have a bite to eat, boys? May she? Listen to that!”
“She may. She may have all that’s in the house if she likes, eh, boys?” said Shoshone, fervently.
“That’s what!” said Dan, emphatically.