"Lunsum! no. There's plenty o' fellers reound here, all the time. They're a heowlin' set tew, ez ever I see".
"You have a good gun there", suggested the missionary.
"Well, tolable", said Micah, looking up for the first time since Mr. Norton had entered the house, and scanning him from head to foot with his keen, penetrating glance. "I spose you aint much used to firearms?"
"I have some acquaintance with them; but my present vocation don't require their use".
Here Mr. Mummychog rose, and laying his gun on the table, scratched his head, turned toward Mr. Norton and said, "Hev yeou any pertikilar business with me?"
"Yes sir, I have. I came to Miramichi to accomplish an important object, and I don't know of another person who can help me about it so well as you can".
"Well, I dunno. What upon arth is it?"
"To be plain upon the point", said the missionary, looking serious and earnest, "I have come here to preach the gospel of Christ".
"Whew! religin, is it? I can tell ye right off, its no go en these ere parts".