"No, not at all, Mr. Andrews. But, you see, it's more business-like to get your name in your own handwriting. We shall make an exception, though, in your case if you so earnestly desire it."
"Now ye're shoutin'."
"Doing what?"
"Shoutin'; talkin' sense. Don't ye git me?"
"H'm, I see," and the chairman leaned his elbow upon the table and gently stroked his chin with the fingers of his right hand. "I didn't understand you at first, as I am not accustomed to such expressions."
"But ye understand the meanin' of a thousand dollars, don't ye?"
"Indeed, I do, Mr. Andrews, and what is more, I wish to thank you very heartily. I am sure that all here to-night feel most grateful to you for your generosity."
"Oh, I don't want ye'r gratitude, an' as fer as I kin see, it's worth darn little."
"Abner! Abner!" the voice at his side chided. "What are you saying?"
"Didn't ye hear, Tildy? Where's ye'r ears?" and Abner turned slightly toward his protesting wife. "I was merely remarkin' that the gratitude of this gatherin' of men an' women is worth darn little. Now, d'ye hear?"