"
"Why, thank you, Wat--I generally do, I reckon, as you know of old. It's
not now, I'm inclined to think, that you're to learn the ways of George
Dexter. He's a man, you see, Wat, that never has two ways about him."
"That's true, friend George, I must say that for you, were I to have to
put it on your tombstone."
"It's a long ride to the Atlantic, Wat; and the time is something off
yet, I reckon, when my friends will be after measuring me for a six-foot
accommodation. But, look you, Wat, why are all your family here?--I did
think, when I first saw them on the trail, some with their twisted and
some with smooth bores, tomahawks, and scalping-knives, that they took
us for Indians. If you hadn't come forward now, civilly, I should have
been for giving your boys some mutton-chops, by way of a cold cut."
"Well, George, you may do that yet, old fellow, for here we have all
come to take our Sunday dinner. You are not in the notion that we shall
let you take possession here so easily, without even sending us word,
and paying us no rent--no compensation?"
"Why, no, Wat--I knew you and your boys too well for that.
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