Sherman. What is the matter, sir?
Hezekiah. It’s my old colic comin’ agin. I got ter go and git a gin sling. (Dashes his gun in Sherman’s hands, knocking him half down.) Jest hold my old shooter. (Dashes out at L.)
Sherman. Hold on, sir. Here! Halt, you scoundrel! (Recovering his feet.) Gone? Confound that idiot. I will have him court-martialed for leaving his post. (Thinking.) Then I should be shown up for allowing the fool to impose upon me. The general of the army on guard! I shall be the laughing stock of the whole army. I’ll wage my commission that he made that to get off for a drink. I’ll scare the idiot out of his senses when he returns. Here he comes. Halt, sir! Stand there till I call the officer of the guard. Move if you dare, sir, and you are a dead man! (Hez. walks up and takes the gun away, saying—)
Hezekiah. You git out. If you don’t know me, you’re the biggest puddin’ head in the country!
Sherman. You are the most impudent scoundrel I ever met.
Hezekiah. (Handing money.) Here’s a quarter for ye. Now you go home and put that knowledge box er your’n under a gardeen, or somebody’ll shoot you for a stray mule.
Sherman. You are an idiot, sir!
Hezekiah. (Throwing hat, coat and gun down, L.) I don’t take that from nobody.
Sherman. Hold on, sir! What are you going to do?
Hezekiah. Goin’ ter trample on your constitushun about four minnits. (Turns to attack, and meets Sherman’s revolver.) Lay down that shooter, I’ll give ye four dollars.