Page 36 - In A New World

"Let me go!" said Fletcher, struggling violently, but ineffectually, to free
himself.

"Not till you’ve told me what you are after."

"Let go, and I’ll tell you."

Obed loosened his grip, saying sternly, "Are you a pickpocket, my
enterprising friend, or what is the meaning of all this business?"

"You had better not insult me!" said Fletcher angrily. "I’m no more a
pickpocket than you are."

"Then what is the meaning of your little game? Maybe you got up in your

sleep."

"No, I didn’t. I just waked up, and thought I’d like to have a smoke, but had

no matches. I thought you might have some in your pocket."

"Why didn’t you wake me up and ask me?"

"You looked so comfortable, and I thought you needed rest after a hard

day’s work, so I decided to help myself."

"It looks like it," responded Obed dryly. "So that’s all you were after, was
it?"

"Of course," said Fletcher, regaining confidence. "What else could it be?"

"Well, it strikes me it’s rather takin’ a liberty with a gentleman to search his
pockets while he’s asleep, that’s all! In Californy, Fletcher, if you had been
caught doin’ it, ten chances to one you’d have been lynched, and lynchin’

isn’t usually regarded as comfortable or desirable. Where’s your cigar?"

"I haven’t any, but I’ve got a pipe."