His black, greasy lank hair, his pug nose, his
coarse red face, and his projecting tusks, contrasted with the
mild and lengthened countenance of his father, who looked very
much like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
For the first five minutes Master Joseph Diggs did nothing but
blaspheme and swear at his customers, occasionally leaning
over the counter and cuffing the women in the van or lugging
some girl by the hair.
"I was first, Master Joseph," said a woman eagerly.
"No; I was," said another.
"I was here," said the first, "as the clock struck four, and
seated myself on the steps, because I must be home early; my
husband is hurt in the knee."
"If you were first, you shall be helped last." said Master
Joseph, "to reward you for your pains!" and he began taking
the orders of the other woman.
"O! Lord have mercy on me!" said the disappointed woman; "and
I got up in the middle of the night for this!"
"More fool you! And what you came for I am sure I don't
know," said Master Joseph; "for you have a pretty long figure
against you, I can tell you that."
"I declare most solemnly--" said the woman.
"Don't make a brawling here," said Master Joseph, "or I'll
jump over this here counter and knock you down, like nothing.
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