"'Bout her condition."
Batt essayed a sly, ingratiating wink, but it had no placating effect upon the man before him.
"I don't know what the devil you're talking about."
"Gosh, boss, everyone knows 'bout Nettie Day. She's agoin' to have a baby—mebbe she's got it now. I expect she has."
"What-t!"
The Bull's eyes bulged; a tidal wave of unholy joy threatened to overwhelm him.
A baby! His! His! His own! His and that gell's!
He threw back his head and burst into a storm of laughter. His wild mirth shook the beams and rafters of the old room, and seemed to reverberate all through the great house.
"Well, by G——!" said the cowman and reached for his riding boots. He pulled them savagely on, still chuckling and chortling, and pausing ever and anon to smack his hip.
"Goin' riding, boss?"