Whether he was pleased or the
reverse over this discovery, his immobile countenance gave no hint; but
the fact was that he had called particularly to see West on a matter of
urgent private business.
"I was on the floor and thought I'd say howdy," he remarked pleasantly.
"Say, Doc, I been readin' them reformatory drools of yours. Me and all
the boys."
"I'm glad to hear it. They are certain to do you good."
Queed smiled. He had a genuine liking for Mr. Neal, which was not
affected by the fact that their views differed diametrically on almost
every subject under the sun.
Mr. Neal smiled, too, more enigmatically, and made a large gesture with
his unlighted cigar.
"I ain't had such good laughs since Tommy Walker, him that was going to
chase me out of the city f'r the tall timber, up and died. But all the
same, I hate to see a likely young feller sittin' up nights tryin' to
make a laughin' stock of himself."
"The last laughs are always the best, Mr. Neal. Did you ever try any of
them?"
"You're beat to a pappyer mash, and whistlin' to keep your courage."
"Listen to my whistle day after to-morrow--"
But the door had shut on Mr.
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