As he peered cautiously over the partition one of them raised himself on his elbow, eyed his companion curiously for a moment, and then asked, in a sarcastic tone:
“W’ats de matter wid you? Had a death in de family? Or did yer gal run off wid de coachman?
“Oh, you’ve never been broke before. Well, you’d better keep quiet an’ let ’spectable people sleep, or I’ll put a charge of ’sturbin’ de peace on you. See? Hello, pardner,” he continued, as some one opened the door and walked in, “why don’t yer send in yer card?”
“You’re a couple of nice blokes!” said the new-comer. “I was afraid when you came over town that you’d get drunk. I’ll have you both run in if you don’t look out.”
“Run in nothin’. Dey can’t convict a man but once fer an offense, an’ I was put in jail thirty years ago for this same drunk. I’ll swear I haven’t been sober since. Just de same drunk all de time.[{16}]”
“How long has Amos been here?”
“All the afternoon.”
“Has he done any talking?”
“Naw. His tongue’s as thick as a Congressman’s head.”
“Well, you go out somewhere and get some supper. I want to talk with him.”