But suddenly he ceased.

Ba'tiste, quite naturally, had strolled between them.
"M'sieu Houston have a broke' arm," had come very quietly.

Thayer grunted.
"Maybe that's the reason he thinks he can insult every one around here." Ba'tiste looked down upon him, as a Newfoundland would look upon a snapping terrier.
"M'sieu Houston insult nobody." "But--" The voice of the big man rose to a roar.
"Ba'teese say, M'sieu Houston insult nobody.

Un'stan'?
Ba'teese say that! Ba'teese got no broke' arm!" "Who is this man ?" The woman had turned angrily toward Barry; "What right has he to talk this way?
The whole thing's silly, as far as I can see, Barry.

This man, whoever he is, has been stuffing you full of stories.