I lived in California once." "Where ?" The question came like a shot.
"Oh, here and there; I followed the Mother Lode for a spell." "I don't recall the name," said the trader, after a bit.
"Possibly.

Where were you located ?" "I never lit on any one place long enough to call it home." It seemed to Burrell that both men were sparring cautiously in an indirect, impersonal manner.
"Those your kids, too, eh ?" Stark continued.
"Yes, and I got another one besides--older.

A girl." "She's a 'pip,' too," said "No Creek" Lee, fervently.

"She's plumb beautiful." "All of them half-breeds ?" questioned Stark.
"Sure." The trader's answer was short, and when the other showed no intention of pressing the subject further he sauntered away; but no sooner was he out of hearing than Stark said: "Humph! They're all alike." "Who ?" "Squaw-men." "This one ain't," Lee declared.

"He's different; ain't he, Lieutenant ?" "He certainly is," agreed Burrell.