'"
"I'm still waiting," repeated the stranger.
"Well, then"--Old Zeb cast a rancorous look around--"I'll tell 'ee,
since you'm so set 'pon hearin'. Afore you came in, the good folks here
present was for drummin' you out o' the country. 'Shockin' behayviour!'
'Aw, very shockin' indeed!' was the words I heerd flyin' about, an'
'Who'll make en sensible o't?' an' 'We'll give en what-for.' 'A silent
tongue makes a wise head,' said I, an' o' this I call Uncle Issy here to
witness."
Uncle Issy corroborated. "You was proverbial, crowder, I can duly vow,
an' to that effect, unless my mem'ry misgives me."
"So, in a mollifyin' manner, I says, 'What hev the pore chap done, to
be treated so bad?' I says. Says I, 'better lave me use logic wi' en'--
eh, Uncle Issy?"
"Logic was the word."
The stranger turned round upon the company, who with one accord began to
look extremely foolish as Old Zeb so adroitly turned the tables.
"Is this true?" he asked.
"'Tis the truth, I must admit," volunteered Uncle Issy, who had not been
asked, but was fluttered with delight at having stuck to the right side
against appearances.
"I think," said the stranger, deliberately, "it is as well that you and
I, my friends, should understand each other.
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