She stopped me, and asked why I hadn't been to see her--carrying the conversation off casually, as if we had been ordinary acquaintances.

All I could say--for I was a little embarrassed, was "I do' know"-- which was what I had told Rucker and Jackway, in answer to a thousand questions, until they were crazy to know how to come at me.
"Let me tell you something," said she.

"If you want that Iowa farm, pa--" "Who ?" said I.
"Rucker," said she, brazening it out with me.

"He'll give you the land, and your outfit.

Don't let them fool you out of the team and wagon." "Thank you for telling me," said I; "but I guess I'll have to have more." "If you go into court he'll beat you," said she, "and I'm telling you that as a friend, even if you don't believe me." "I'm much obliged," I said; and I believed then, and believe now, that she was sincere.
"And when you start," said she, "if you want some one to cook and take care of you, let me know.