“What's the matter?” I asked.
“First, le' 's have the minutes of the previous meetin',” said Mr. Pearl.
It must be remembered that H. M. Pearl, Esq., had lived through years of oratory and public assemblage, and that his thoughts ran more or less in their cant.
“The meeting will now come to order, and Mr. Barker will take the floor,” said the Pearl of great price.
The dog came and stood on his hind feet, facing his master.
“You will recall,” said Mr. Pearl, addressing the animal, “that I once spoke to you on the subject of bad company. Is the same true to-day or not?”
The dog gave a loud bark.
“It is true,” said Mr. Pearl; “of course it is true! Therefore, Mr. Barker, please bear in mind that there is nothing that makes so much trouble as bad company. It will bring your black hairs in sorrow to the grave.”
The dog was excused, and the Pearl turned to me and said:
“You went into the barn at Baker's, an' I'll swear ye didn't come out of it.”