"Well," says the boy, "I'll tell you, Watty, but I wouldn't 've told him after what he said."
"But what's the news, Tracey?" There is suspense in the iteration.
"Well, seein's it's you, Watty—"
"You Tracey Tanner, you run 'long and stop your jokin'!" interrupts Hiram with authority.
"'Tain't no joke; it's news, I'm tellin' you. Sa-ay, what d'ye think, Watty?"
"Yes, Tracey, yes? What is it, boy?"
"Thet—Noo—York—dood," drawls Tracey, "is a-workin' for Sam Graham!"
A dramatic pause ensues. I rise and find my coat.
"Tracey Tanner," shrills Hiram, "be you a-tellin' the truth?"
"Kiss my hand and cross my heart and vow Honest Injun, I seen him up there just now in the store, Watty, tendin' the sody fountain."