He thought it was strong, characteristic, and real, and accepted it literally.

He rose.
"Ef you allow you can't stay, why I'll go and get the horse.

I reckon he ain't bin put up yet." "Do, please." He grimly resumed his coat and hat and disappeared through the passage into the kitchen, whence, a moment later, Zuleika came flying.
"Well, what has happened ?" she said eagerly.
"It's all right," said the woman quickly, "though he knows nothing yet.
But I've got things fixed generally, so that he'll be quite ready to have it broken to him by this time to-morrow.

But don't you say anything till I've seen Jack and you hear from HIM.

Remember." She spoke rapidly; her cheeks were quite glowing from some sudden energy; so were Zuleika's with the excitement of curiosity.