Trouble with him was he didn't
like anybody."
"Mebby he didn't," said Pete indifferently.
"Because he couldn't trust anybody. Ever eat ice-cream?"
"Who--me?"
The sheriff smiled and nodded.
"Nope. Ma Bailey made some onct, but--"
"Let's go out and get some. It's cooling and refreshing and
it's--ice-cream. Got a hat?"
"Up in my room."
"Go get it. I'll wait."
"You mean?"--and Pete hesitated.
"I don't mean anything. Heard you was going for a walk this afternoon.
Thought I'd come along. Want to get acquainted. Lonesome. Nobody to
talk to. Get your hat."
"Suppose I was to make a break--when we git outside?" said Pete.
Sheriff Owen smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "That little nurse,
the one with the gray eyes--that said you were having dinner--is she
your reg'lar nurse?"
Pete nodded.
"Well, you won't," said the sheriff.
"How's that?" queried Pete.
"I talked with her. Sensible girl. Break _her_ all up if her patient
was to make a break:--because"--and the sheriff's eyes ceased to
twinkle, although he still smiled--"because I'd have to break _you_ all
up.
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