“That is just the reason I don’t let you have it, because I know you would be drowned.”
“You only say that because you don’t want us to have the boat. You love us, but you won’t do anything for us.”
“No, I never did anything for you! Who writes your dialogues and declamations, and does a host of other unmentionable things? There is not a great deal of gratitude this year, I suppose, because it is so dry.”
“O, Mr. K., I’ll take it all back! I’m sorry I said it, and sorrier that I thought it.”
“If I don’t want you to be drowned, I am disposed to contribute to your enjoyment. I’ll take you all over to the North Parish Pond, where is a large boat, and sail you to your hearts’ content; that is, if you’ll be good boys and go away.”
“We are very much obliged to you, but we’ve made up our minds to see where you keep that boat, and we can’t give it up; that is what we came for. There are enough of us to surround the pond, flag swamp and all. You will have to give it up, Mr. K. We are resolved to know, if we stay here all night.”
“Resolution is a great thing in a young man. Resolution carried the great Washington across the Delaware. As I understand it, you are, one and all, resolved to know where I keep this boat.”
“So say we all of us.”
“If I will let you see where I put her, will you be satisfied?”