chance to be happy yourself. An' I look like your friend? Well!


Well! I'm monstrous willin' to adopt you if you'll take me; an',
as for feedin', from to-morrow on I'll find time to set your
little table 'long this same rail every day. I s'pose Maria 'ull
say 'at I'm gone plumb crazy; but, for that matter, if I ever get
her down to see you jest once, the trick's done with her, too,
for you're the prettiest thing God ever made in the shape of a
bird, 'at I ever saw. Look at that topknot a wavin' in the wind!


Maybe praise to the face is open disgrace; but I'll take your
share an' mine, too, an' tell you right here an' now 'at you're
the blamedest prettiest thing 'at I ever saw.

"But Lord! You ortn't be so careless! Don't you know you ain't
nothin' but jest a target? Why don't you keep out o' sight a
little? You come a-shinneyin' up to nine out o' ten men 'long
the river like this, an' your purty, coaxin', palaverin' way
won't save a feather on you. You'll get the little red heart
shot plumb outen your little red body, an' that's what you'll
get. It's a dratted shame! An' there's law to protect you, too.
They's a good big fine for killin' such as you, but nobody seems
to push it. Every fool wants to test his aim, an' you're the
brightest thing on the river bank for a mark.

"Well, if you'll stay right where you are, it 'ull be a sorry day
for any cuss 'at teches you; 'at I'll promise you, Mr. Redbird.
This land's mine, an' if you locate on it, you're mine till time