Mother. Vermont would see to the dust.
Silas. Who's Vermont?
Mother. The best of the lot, steady as a clock, but a powerful wrestler; that's his weakness.
Silas. Is it? I've a strong weakness in that line too.
Mother. You'd have no show with him. Now, parson—
Silas. Oh, drop that! This person is no parson, but, if the old saying is true, just the opposite; for I am a deacon's son.
Mother. The deuce you are!
Silas. No: the Deuce's grandson.
Mother. What's your name?
Silas. Silas Steele, jun. I'm the little one, and dad's the big Steele. I'm travelling for Busted's Balm.