The dog's worked hard, and maybe he's earned a soft berth
an' has got a right to choose. Anyway, we'll leave it up to him.
Whatever he says, goes. You people stay right here settin' down.
I'll say good-by and walk off casual-like. If he wants to stay, he
can stay. If he wants to come with me, let 'm come. I won't call
'm to come an' don't you call 'm to come back."
He looked with sudden suspicion at Madge, and added, "Only you must
play fair. No persuadin' after my back is turned."
"We'll play fair," Madge began, but Skiff Miller broke in on her
assurances.
"I know the ways of women," he announced. "Their hearts is soft.
When their hearts is touched they're likely to stack the cards,
look at the bottom of the deck, an' lie like the devil - beggin'
your pardon, ma'am. I'm only discoursin' about women in general."
"I don't know how to thank you," Madge quavered.
"I don't see as you've got any call to thank me," he replied.
"Brown ain't decided yet. Now you won't mind if I go away slow?
It's no more'n fair, seein' I'll be out of sight inside a hundred
yards.
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