A loud laugh went round at the expense of Number Two, who seemed much disconcerted.
“Ha, ha, ha,” laughed an ebony deck-hand. “If all de locks was dat easy opened a fellah’s prwopehty wouldn’t be very safe.”
“You can’t open it,” retorted Number Two, a little irritated.
“What’ll you bet?” said darkey.
“I’ll bet a hundred dollars you can’t,” said Number Two, whom discomfiture seemed to have rendered reckless.
“Will you bet me a hundred dollars that I can’t open it?” asked Number One, boldly.
“No,” returned Number Two. “You have opened it once, and know how; or else I would. Why didn’t you bet before you tried it? you would have won then.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t now,” said Number One.
“O, pshaw!” said the same darkey who had spoken before. “I seen how him opened it!”
“Well, you can’t open it,” retorted Number Two, banteringly.