Marion laughed, and invited them in to breakfast. She introduced them to Nanah, a portly Indian woman, whom Sleepy dubbed “Carrie Nation,” because she held a hatchet in her left hand, while she shook hands with the other.
“She’s related to Peeler,” explained Marion.
“Relate by marriage,” said Nanah solemnly, as if to amend Marion’s statement.
“Nephew?” asked Hashknife, helping himself to a stack of hot-cakes.
“Son,” said Nanah seriously.
“Relate by marriage!” exploded Sleepy.
Nanah did not smile. She spilled more batter on the griddle, examined the pitcher closely, as she glanced at Hashknife’s plate, possibly fearing she had underestimated their hot-cake ability, and said:
“Somebody say Peeler rob train. —— lie! Too lazy.”
“And that’s the most perfect alibi I ever heard,” laughed Hashknife. “Nanah, I’ll bet any jury in Blue Wells would turn him loose on that kind of evidence.”
“What do you think of the case?” asked Marion.