“Be quiet, and be dissected? No, young gents—no, indeed,” quavered Plug; “but it’s only a joke. Now, ha’ done, an’ let an old man go to bed.”
“Plug,” said Decker, “this is folly. Hoist him up, boys!”
And we four seized the old man and laid him on the boards. He struggled less than we expected. He didn’t believe it yet.
“Tie him,” said Decker.
We did it. He only flopped about a little, like a dying fish.
“Do you want to say a prayer?” asked Decker.
“Now, do ha’ done, young gents,” said Plug. “You don’t dare for to murder me.”
“Dissecting is lawful,” said Decker, as he took out his knife.
“Help!” cried Plug—“professor—Mr. Jangs—missis—help, help!”
“Silence,” said Decker. “Gentlemen, you perceive this is the breastbone. I commence here.”