human
You don't say!
gpt
I do say. Hank Simpson is the only man in this town beside you who's got back-bone enough to stand by himself! He'd struck Harry last night if that Hicks hadn't held him off. I wish he had hit him hard, maybe it would have brought him to his senses.
human
Are you trying to tell me that Harry's got the gossiping fever?
gpt
Not only that, but what he's saying is pure lies. I can't see why he wants to do other people's dirty work,
human
I cal'late you'd best give me some idea about this here yarn he's spinning, so's I can lay for him with a spike.
gpt
It's about Mr. McGowan, and what he's telling ain't true, and I know it! Her voice broke into short dry sobs.
human
He says our minister is doing things down to the Inn that ain't right. And, then, that Reverend Mr. Means was up again the other day, and told Mr. Fox something. Harry won't tell me what it was, but he keeps saying it's awful scandalous.
gpt
Well, Eadie, if I was you I'd quit spilling all that brine, for it ain't wuth it.
human
But, Josiah, it is worth it. They're trying to ruin Mr. McGowan, and he's such a fine man. Won't you stop Harry's talking in some way? Won't you go to Mr. Fox?
gpt
Me go to Jim? What in tarnation would you have me say to him?
human
I don't care what you say, but make him understand that he's to leave Harry alone, and stop him telling what ain't so.
gpt
Maybe he's the one who has made Harry believe it is so. In that case, I'm 'feared my views on the subject might set off some real fireworks.
human
But you must make him believe you! Can't you say something?
gpt
I ain't sartin but I might say a thing or two, and they won't be words fit for a prayer-meeting, either.
human
Then, you will speak to him?
gpt
We'll see, Eadie. Maybe I'll do something, too. But I cal'late we'd best begin as Scripture says, right here at home.
human
You mean you'll speak to Harry? What will you say?
gpt
I ain't got it all figured out yet being as we're camped on this here sand-heap. If I was aboard ship I'd kick him down the deck and up again, then into the hatches for a little tonic for disobeying orders. Beyond that, I ain't able to say right offhand.
human
Oh, don't hurt my Harry! He's all I've got!
gpt
He ain't wuth boasting about, Eadie. But being as he is all you've got in the way of earthly possession, and being as we're on land, I cal'late I won't do harm. But if I was you I'd steer him clear of these channels for a spell till I calm down a mite.
human
O dear! I've made a mistake coming to you, and I hoped you'd help me. I shouldn't have told you!
gpt
We won't argue that p'int.
human
Whatever shall I do!
gpt
The fust thing I'd do, --suggested the Captain, slowly nodding his head for emphasis,--
human
But I can't make Harry mind any more!
gpt
Eadie, you've always held a purty tight rein over that husband of yours, about the best I ever see drawn over a prancing colt. You'd best tighten up a mite on them reins, right sudden-like.
human
But I haven't any power over him now. He's that worked up that I can't even talk to him. He shuts me right up.
gpt
What's that? You can't handle that little shrimp?