“Gansett Jim, yonder, looks as if he kinder cherished the honor of your acquaintance.”
Over his shoulder Kent caught the half-breed’s glance fixed upon him with stolid intensity. A touch on his arm made him turn to the other side, where Sailor Smith faced him.
“Didn’t hardly know you, with your beard off,” piped the old man. “Howdy, Professor! You’re finickied up like your own weddin’.”
“Good morning,” said the scientist. “Are you going inside?”
“No hurry,” said the other. “Hotter’n Tophet in there.”
“I want a good seat; so I think I’ll go in at once,” said Kent. “Sit with us, won’t you? Mr. Sedgwick is with me.”
The ex-sailor started. “Him?” he exclaimed. “Here?”
Kent nodded. “Why not?”
“No reason. No reason at all,” said the old seaman hastily. “It’s a public proceedin’.”
“But you’re surprised to see him here?”