The things we do!

"Frankly, this conversation is
unwelcome to me."
"I'll tell you what I'll do with you," exclaimed the Missourian
suddenly. "I'll bet you every cent in this pile of my winnings
here that that young lady isn't your amanuensis, and never has
been. I'll bet its like that she is no relative of yours. I'll
bet it all over again that she is the most beautiful woman that
ever set foot on a boat on this river, or ever set foot on any
land. Moreover, I'll bet again--"
"You might win a certain share of these wagers," smiled the young
officer, willing to pass by a possible argument. "Moreover, I am
quite willing to discuss arrangements for changing the term of
servitude of this young lady. I've been doing a little thinking
about one or two matters since this morning."
"What!"
"Quite right. I wouldn't care to restrain her in any way, if she
cared to travel in other company. Our work is well advanced toward
completion, as it is."
"Yet you came here with her? Then what--?"
"Never mind what the relation may have been, my dear fellow.


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