It was
characteristic of him that he should pick an easy beginning, as a timid
swimmer seeks proficiency in shallow water. Sol Breck had the
unenviable reputation of one who never declined battle--and never
emerged from one crowned with victory. Joe hurled at him the challenge
of the fighting epithet and after a brief but animated combat had him
down and defeated. Then he returned home with a swelling breast, and
just enough marks of conflict upon his own person to bear out his
report of counsel heeded and resolution put to the touch.
Alexander listened without interruption to the end, for Joe had told
her all but the name of his adversary and the exact words that had
precipitated battle.
But when the narrative came to its conclusion she inquired quietly,
"What did he say erbout me?"
"Oh, hit wasn't so much what he said es ther way he said hit," was
Joe's somewhat shame-faced reply. "Ef hit hed been erbout any other
gal, I reckon I mout of looked over it."
"What was it?" The demand was insistent.
"He jest 'lowed that if 'stid of warin' pants an' straddlin' hosses,
ye'd pick ye out an upstandin' man an' wed him, thar mout come ter be
some _real_ men in ther fam'ly.
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