Zeke. Sho, are you, though? State constables! well, I declare, I never should have thought it!
Phil. So I’ll thank you for that demijohn.
Zeke. State constables! Well, I declare! Want my demijohn too? Do you know where I came from?
Phil. Yes: from the Rural District.
Zeke. Rural? where’s that? No, sir: I’m from Rocky-valley District; and, when a constable asks us for a demijohn in that style, we say, “Where’s your warrant?”
Phil. Oh! you do, do you? Well, a warrant isn’t necessary here; so give up your demijohn.
Ned. Come, give it up, and save further trouble.
Zeke. Look here, State constables, I’m a peaceable citizen. I’m also a plain-spoken individual. You’re a couple of State constables? Where’s your uniform? There’s nothing uniform about you, except your red noses, which are pretty well matched. Look here! (Takes off his coat.) That demijohn is under my protection. I’m mighty ashamed of its company; but I’m bound to take it home with me, if it don’t burn up on the way; and, if you want it, come and take it. (Backs up stage, squares off, and shows fight.)
Phil (coming forward). We sha’n’t get it that way.
Ned. No, sir. State constables won’t do. We can’t take it. Ah! a lucky thought. There’s that little darkey Chick playing by the water. Go push him in quick.