I _did_ try to shoot him, Mr.Gage!" "Why, _did_ you, ma'am ?" said Sim Gage.

"But then, it would of been a miracle if you had a-hit him, your eyes being poor, like.

I reckon it's just as well you didn't." "Won't you sit down ?" She motioned her hand vaguely.

"There's a box right there." "How do you know, ma'am ?" "Oh, I know where everything is now.

I'm going to learn all about this place.