human
You're rattled some, he said at last, with elaborate sarcasm. Then, as Beasley stood up choking with laughter and rubbing his eyes, he went on:
gpt
Seems to me I asked you a civil question.
human
You sure did, he said at last, stifling his mirth as he beheld the other's threatening frown.
gpt
Well, I ain't laffin' at you. It's--it's jest at things.
human
Ike been along?
gpt
Sure, he said.
human
He's been in with a fat wad. Say, he's a lucky swine. 'Most everything comes his way. Guess he can't never touch bad. He's ahead on the game, he's a golden-haired pet with the gals, an' he gits gold in--lumps.
gpt
Wher's he now?
human
Can't jest say. I didn't ask him wher' he was goin'. Y' see I cashed his gold, and we had a drink. He seemed excited some. Guess he was sort of priming himself. Maybe he's gone along to the gals. Have a drink?
gpt
No--yes, give us a horn of rye.
human
What you needin' him for?
gpt
That ain't your affair,
human
Sure it ain't. I jest asked--casual.
gpt
I'm needin' him bad, he cried, his eyes furiously alight.
human
I'm needin' him cos I know the racket he's on. See? He quit his claim early cos--cos----
gpt
Cos he's goin' to pay a 'party' call on that Golden Woman, cried Beasley, appearing to have made a sudden discovery.
human
I got it, now. That's why he was in sech a hurry. That's why he needed a good dose o' rye. Say, that feller means marryin' that gal. I've heard tell he's got it all fixed with her. I've heard tell she's dead sweet on him. Wal, I ain't sure but wot it's natural. He's a good looker; so is she. An' he's a bright boy. Guess he's got the grit to look after a gal good. He's a pretty scrapper. Another drink?
gpt
He's gone across ther' now?