"
"That was in California."
"How's the wild and woolly?" asked Collins, presently, looking his old
pal over contemptuously.
"Oh, I know I ain't stylish like you Eastern dudes. I'm a honest miner,
I am. And I don't wear boiled shirts like you."
"You're honest, all right. We'll leave that to Sheriff Carter. Remember
how he caught you stealing that Chinaman's dust? I can see that
Chinaman's sign now: 'Heekee & Co., Gold Dust Bought.' By the way,
what's become of my old flame back there?"
"Oh, a lady? I don't remember no ladies that was acquainted with gents
like us."
"I don't reckon you know the girl I mean. She wasn't in your class,
that's a fact."
"Maybe I can tell you if you'll just say her name."
"Well, I'm inquiring after Miss Mamie Slocum, the sweetest little girl
in Nevada City."
"You're joking, sure. That girl never had any use for the likes of you.
Mat Bailey would knock your head off if he heard you breathe her name."
"Insult me as much as you like. 'No fighting' is the rules of this
hotel. I asked you, how is that little girl? Sweet on Mat Bailey, is
she? Well, I'm glad of it."
"Yes; she and Mat have been good friends ever since Will Cummins was
killed.
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