"You won't have the chance if he's locked up."
They both laughed heartily at this grim remark.
When Sim's mirth abated, he said thoughtfully:
"Peahs ter me, if dem yere 'tectives wuz a-gwine ter pump any news outen dat coon, dey would hab done it las' night, an' come right heah aftah us, sah."
"Their absence is all that relieves my mind, Sim. I quite agree with your idea. Still, Nick may weaken later on, and make a clean breast of it."
"Hab we got ter stay heah much longer?"
"No. Old Dalton is losing his nerve."
"Gwine ter sign dat check?"
"Yes. He hasn't had anything to eat for three days, and his spirit is broken entirely. He's begging me for food."
"What yo' tell de ole fool?"