We only started a few days ago; them da--them no-account Swedes he got to do the rough work are so slow, we're liable to be at it all summer.

How's everybody at the ranch?
How's your mother, Miss Bridger?
Has she got any mince pies baked ?" "I don't know--you might ride over with us and see," she invited, smiling at him again.

"We were just going to turn back--weren't we, Billy Boy ?" "Sure!" he testified, and for the first time found some comfort in being called Billy Boy; because, if looks went for anything, it certainly made the Pilgrim very uncomfortable.

The spirits of Billy rose a little.
"If you'll wait till I saddle up, I'll go along.

I guess the Svenskies won't run off with the camp before I get back," said the Pilgrim, and so they stayed, and afterward rode back together quite amiably considering certain explosive elements in the party.
Perhaps Billy's mildness was due in a great measure to his preoccupation, which made him deaf at times to what the others were saying.