Roderick excused himself to the others; he would join them on the porch presently.
Scotty’s face wore a keen eager look.
“Say, if I helps you,” he began, “I’ll be doin’ a good turn, won’t I, to the girl that saved my life by hurryin’ me along to this ‘orspital here?”
“I believe she will count it as a favor,” replied Roderick. “How can you help me, Scotty?”
“An’ I’ll be doin’ you a favor,” continued the lad, without answering the direct question, “if I do a good turn to your friend with the name that reminds me of Bull Durham terbaccer?”
“Buell Hampton,” laughed Roderick.
“The Major you also call him. Wal, I can drop him a word o’ warnin’ too.”
“Oh, he has never a thought about love affairs,” replied Roderick, smiling.
“But this is a warnin’ of another kind. Listen.” And Scotty drew himself up to a sitting posture on the bed. “Come nearer.”
Roderick complied; his ear was close to Scotty’s lips. The cowboy spoke in a whisper.