Mrs. Hard. Why, boy, I am ruined in earnest. My bureau has been broke open, and all taken away.
Tony. Stick to that; ha, ha, ha! stick to that; I'll bear witness, you know; call me to bear witness.
Mrs. Hard. I tell you, Tony, by all that's precious, the jewels are gone, and I shall be ruined for ever.
Tony. Sure, I know they're gone, and I am to say so.
Mrs. Hard. My dearest Tony, but hear me. They're gone, I say.
Tony. By the laws, mamma, you make me for to laugh; ha! ha! I know who took them well enough, ha! ha! ha!
Mrs. Hard. Was there ever such a blockhead, that can't tell the difference between jest and earnest? I tell you I'm not in jest, booby.
Tony. That's right, that's right. You must be in a bitter passion, and then nobody will suspect either of us. I'll bear witness that they are gone.
Mrs. Hard. Was there ever such a cross-grained brute, that won't hear me! Can you bear witness that you're no better than a fool? Was ever poor woman so beset with fools on one hand, and thieves on the other?
Tony. I can bear witness to that.