Over this untempting scene a dim, waning lamp, threw its blue glare, only rendering the place more hideous.
"Now, girl, I am to lick you well. You see the half-dollar. Well, I'm to git the worth of it out of your hide. Now, what would you think if I didn't give you a single lick?"
I looked him full in the face, and even by that equivocal light I had power to discern his horrid purpose, and I quickly and proudly replied,
"I should think you did your duty poorly."
"And why?"
"Because you engaged to do the job, and even received your pay in advance; therefore, if you fail to comply with your bargain, you are not trustworthy."
"Wal, you're smart enough for a lawyer."
"Well, attend to your business."
"This is my business," and he held up a stout wagon-whip; "come, strip off."
"That is not a part of the contract."