" But Andy did not
wait.
A little later Bill appeared at the kitchen door and plaintively asked Ma
Bailey if she had any sticking-plaster.
"Sakes alive! Now what you done to yourself, William?"
"Nothin' this time, Miss Bailey. I--I done tore a book--and jest want to
fix it."
When Bill returned to the bunk-house with the "sticking-plaster," Pete
and Andy both said they were sorry for the occurrence, but Bill was
mighty suspicious of their sincerity. They were silent while Bill
laboriously patched up the book and settled himself to take up the reins
where he had dropped them. The heroine had just taken her seat beside
the driver--when-- "It's a darned shame!" said a voice, Pete's voice.
"It sure is--and Bill jest learnin' to read. He might 'a' spelled out a
whole page afore mornin'."
"I wa'n't meanin' Bill," asserted Pete.
"Oh, you won't bother Bill none. He can't hear you. His off ear is full
of mud. Go on and say anything you like about him."
Bill slowly laid down his book, stepped to his bunk, and drew his
six-shooter from its holster.
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