"Snapper-r-r-r-rs!"
"Snake-e-e-es!" O what a din!
"Halloo! here, what's all this? What's the matter?" says the conductor, coming to the rescue.
"That man's got snakes in the car!" roar several at once.
"And snappin' turtles, too, consarn him!" says one, while all eyes were directed, tongues wagging, and hands gesticulating furiously at the astonished deacon.
"Take care of them! Take care of them! I believe I'm bitten clear through my boot—catch them, Mr. Swallow!" cries the deacon.
"Swallow 'em, Mr. Catcher!" echoes the frightened dandy.
"What? where?" says the excited conductor, looking around.
"Here, here, in under these seats, sir,—my lobsters, sir," says the deacon, standing aloof to let the conductor and the man with the cane get at the reptiles, as the latter insisted.
"Darn 'em, are they only lobsters!"