"What were yuh doing tuh that poor old man to-day?"
The sudden irrelevance of the question startled Cassidy immeasurably.
"Wot? That little old Arkinsaw man? Oh—nothin'. Did yuh see me talkin' tuh him?"
"I did," said the woman; "and I also saw yuh poking him up the street with a big stick. Do yuh think that was a nice thing for a strong young man like yuh?"
"I was—I was just advisin' him," explained Cassidy thickly. "I——"
"What were yuh hurtin' that old man for?" was the forceful interruption. "Did he ever hurt yuh any?"
"Hurt me? Old Arkinsaw? No, ma'am; not tuh my knowledge. But——"
"Never mind that," said the woman stonily though the big, strong eyes had a favorable light in their depths. "Yuh tell me why yuh were sticking him in the back."
"Well—he wanted a drink—that's why," Cassidy mumbled.
"Oh!" remarked the woman, with withering comprehension. "And so, because he was tired and thirsty and wanted a drink, yuh poked him. I see."