But Betty's smooth brow was puckered thoughtfully.

She wondered if he had--and if he hadn't.

It was very odd certainly that he should know it.
"So the railroads are going to hurt the steamboats ?" she presently said.
"No, I didn't say that.

I was thinking of the flatboats that have already been hurt by the steamers," he replied.

Now to the western mind the river-men typified all that was reckless and wild.