"Yes, I know 'a cat may look at a king,' but she 'd better not see any flies on the king, if she wants to keep her health and strength," and Checkers continued arranging a show-case.
In order to save his clothes while working, Checkers had brought to the store an old suit of a loud, checked pattern, and peculiar cut, which, nevertheless, was very becoming.
Towards evening the crowd began to increase, and Mr. Bradley, Arthur, two assistants and Checkers were all as busy as it was possible to be. Those who were being waited on took none the less time in making their purchases, because there were others awaiting their turn. As a consequence, there was chafing and grumbling among the procrastinators, who were now in a hurry.
Uncle Jerry Halter, from the back woods—a character; shrewd, crabbed and as close as the next minute—was foremost among these, and at last he discovered our friend, Mr. Campbell, checked suit and all, returning from having washed his hands, after a not very successful attempt at filling a large brown jug with molasses.
The old man crowded through to the counter, leaning over it expectantly, but Checkers passed him by unheeded, making his way toward a pretty girl.
"Hey there!" exclaimed Uncle Jerry indignantly—his voice was loud and very nasal. "Hey! 'Checkers,' or whatever your name is—I'm in a hurry, and I want to go."
Instantly there was a general laugh, and Checkers stopped and turned around.
"Well, go if you want to—you're not tied down," he retorted, and the laugh was on Uncle Jerry.
The old man colored to the roots of his hair. "You 're very fresh, young feller," he snarled.
"Yes; warranted to keep in any climate," said Checkers, smiling good-naturedly at him.