"You were awfully good to-night, Colonel."
"Of course; I always am. But what has awakened your appreciation to-night?"
"I thought my speech was horrible."
"For once it would require a brave man to doubt your judgment," said the Colonel, sententiously.
"I was sure of it until I heard you speak; then I recovered my self-respect, believing that, by comparison, my speech would ring in the memories of the listeners, like a psalm."
"You mean Sam, the town-crier and bootblack. His brain is a little weak, but his lungs are superb."
"I believe you are jealous of his voice, Colonel. But sit down: I want to tell you about the most unregenerate soul on earth."
"Proceed, Alex, only do not forget that under the merciful statutes of the State of Nevada no man is obliged to make statements which will criminate himself."
"What a comfort that knowledge must be to you."
"It often is. My heart is full of sympathy for the unfortunate, and more than once have I seen eyes grow bright when I have given that information to a client."