Small wanted Bud on his side, and least of all did he want him to be Ralph's champion.

So that the silent, cool, and skillful doctor went to work to make an impression on Bud Means.
Other influences were at work upon him also.

Mrs.Means volleyed and thundered in her usual style about his "takin' up with a one-legged thief, and runnin' arter that master that was a mighty suspicious kind of a customer, akordin' to her tell.

She'd allers said so.

Ef she'd a been consulted he wouldn't a been hired.