"I feel hopeful, Ike."
"Why does yeh feel dat way?"
"It is my disposition," said Sam, for want of a better answer.
"Got any ideah wot's de time?"
"I have not, Ike."
"How long does yeh tink it is since de sun went down foh de last time?"
"About eight hours," said Sam, though, judging by his own feelings, it seemed like so many days.
"Eight houahs!" exclaimed Ike. "Oh, Mistah Sam, yeh's away clar off de track."
"How long do you think it is since the sun went down?" asked Sam, for the sound of their voices seemed to lighten the gloom.
"Jest 'bout fifteen yeahs an' six months ago," said Ike, with the greatest solemnity, adding quickly, "an' I don't tink de sun'll eber rise agin. It's done gone gin out. My, if we could see our faces 'bout dis yer time, do yeh know wot we'd find?"