"A mean smell, Pete."
Billy had spent the week tracking down the two bad characters who had served as witnesses to a false agreement. Their confession was now in evidence against Brooke, in case he dared repudiate Mathson's rights as partner, but there was no need to alarm the cargador. So Billy changed the subject, demanding tea, and there was a fine gossip.
"Mr. O'Flynn," asked mother, "hev yew bin in love?"
"Engaged," said Billy in triumph.
"Yes, to Madame Scotson's nurse over in England."
"Does she patch your socks?"
"Now, mother," Pete interrupted, "when you was courting me did you patch my socks?"
"Wall, I—"
"Come to think," said the cargador, "I didn't have them, being then in the Confederate army. But, mother, you did sure scratch my face!"