new-amonia, or erysifilus, or suthin o' that sort, and if I come over in the snow and catched cold in it, I might 'a gone in."
He sat down on the side of his bunk, and pulled up the drawers from his right shin: there was a patch of ringworm there, about the size of a silver dollar—and that was all. I made use of some strong expressions. I don't often swear, but I felt aggravated, under all the circumstances, and considered myself justified. I still so consider. Mr. Smith heard me through. Then he arose majestically to his feet, and thus relieved himself:
"Young man! I jest put you up for a derned fool, on first sight—an' I wan't sold much! Ef you hain't got no more sense nor to git mad 'bout trifles, you'll have many a long day ter wait 'fore you'll be called on again to visit this camp—an' it's goin' to be a right lively camp in the spring, you bet! I did perpose to ask yer ter take a drink, bein' as how it's late, an' you must a' had a purty good ride over the mounting; but now, I'd jest see yer blessed first. Thar's the door; git! you derned, ornary, wizened, contemptible little scrub, an' don't come foolin' around here no more, ef yer don't want ter git hurt! Git!"
I took his advice, and "got," without another word, just as the gray dawn began to streak the sky over beyond the Washoe mountains.
There they come at last! I can see their horses winding around the ridge across the cailon yonder. Bill, unpack the basket, and have everything in readiness for the lunch. Hunters, fishermen and clergymen generally have powerful appetites.
