There was a degree of haughtiness in her tone that Redburn did not
dream she possessed.

The "General" rubbed the end of his nose, chuckled audibly, then
laughed, outright.

"I opine this ar' a free country, ain't it, marm, more or less? When a
feller kerflummuxes rite down onter a payin' streek I opine he's goin'
ter roost that till he gits reddy to vamoose, ain't he?"

"But, sir, my brother was the first to discover this spot and build us
a home here, and he claims that all belongs to him."

"He do? more or less--consider'bly less of more than more uv less, eh?
Yas, I kno' yer brother--leastways hev seen him an' heerd heeps about
him. Letters uv his name spell Ned Harris, not?"

"Yes, sir; but how can you know him? Few do, in Deadwood."

"Nevyer mind that, my puss. Ole Walsingham Nix do kno' a few things
yet, ef he ar' a hard old nut fer w'ich thar is not cra'kin'."

Anita looked at Redburn, doubtfully.

"Brother would be very angry if he were to return and find this man
here, what would you advise?"

"I am of the opinion that he will have to vacate," replied Harry,
decidedly.