A dry proposal, that. It was not enough to furnish watch and watch-key; but Frank was required also to provide a watch-pocket.
"What do ye say?" asked Seth, with a shrewd squint.
"I'll make you one for nothing," said Frank.
"Come, by darn!" exclaimed Seth; "none o' that, now!"
"None of what?"
"You're a-trying my disposition!"—And, indeed, Tucket was visibly moved; there was a tear in his eye—a bona fide tear. "I've a good disposition, nat'rally; but I shall git riled ef you say much more. I've got your watch, and that's all right. I've got the key, and that's all right, too. But when you talk of makin' a watch-pocket for nothin', I tell ye a saint couldn't stand that."
Frank, who thought he had learned to know pretty well the man's oddities, was puzzled this time.
"I didn't mean to offend you, Tucket."
"No, you didn't. And now see here, Manly. We'll jest compromise this matter, ef you've no 'bjection. I've no watch-pocket, and you've no watch. So, s'posin' you carry the watch for me, and tell me what time it is when I ax ye? That won't be too much trouble—will it?"
"Are you in earnest?" asked Frank.