“The divel fly away wid yer profession. Sure is it better nor me own? If I've risked me provisions and me whisky, that cost me solid goold in Frisco, on that thafe Garcia's claim, bedad! the loikes of ye can risk yer law.”
“Well,” said Wood, with an awkward smile, “I suppose that a deed for one half, on the consideration of friendship, my dear sir, and a dollar in hand paid by me, might be reconcilable.”
“Now it's talkin' ye are. But who's the felly we're foighten, that's got the Ring?”
“Ah, my dear sir, it's the United States,” said the lawyer with gravity.
“The States! the Government is it? And is't that ye're afeared of? Sure it's the Government that I fought in me own counthree, it was the Government that druv me to Ameriky, and is it now that I'm going back on me principles?”
“Your political sentiments do you great credit,” began Mr. Wood.
“But fwhot's the Government to do wid the appale?”
“The Government,” said Mr. Wood significantly, “will be represented by the District Attorney.”
“And who's the spalpeen?”
“It is rumored,” said Mr. Wood, slowly, “that a new one is to be appointed. I, myself, have had some ambition that way.”