He might have been suspected of too great
amiability and gentleness, but for a firm expression about the
mouth, and an indefinable air of manliness, which indicated that it
would not do to go too far with him. There was a point, as all his
friends knew, where his forbearance gave way and he sternly asserted
his rights. He was not so popular in camp as some, because he
declined to drink or gamble, and, despite the rough circumstances in
which he found himself placed, was resolved to preserve his
self-respect.
O'Reilly did not fancy his interference, and demanded, in a surly
tone:
"Do you mean to compare me wid this haythen?"
"You are alike in one respect," said Richard Dewey quietly. "Neither
of you were born in this country, but each of you came here to
improve your fortunes."
"And hadn't I the right, I'd like to know?" blustered O'Reilly.
"To be sure you had. This country is free to all who wish to make a
home here."
"Then what are you talkin' about, anyway?"
"You ought to be able to understand without asking. Ki Sing has come
here, and has the same right that you have."
"Do you mane to put me on a livel wid him?"
"In that one respect, I do.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172