“An’ I say, stranger,” continued the Yankee, while Ned put the finishing touches to his work, “will ye do the inside o’ my hut for the same money?”
“I will,” replied Ned.
The Yankee paused for a few seconds, and then added—
“I’d like to git myself throwd into the bargain, but I guess ye’ll ask more for that.”
“No, I won’t; I’ll do it for the same sum.”
“Thank’ee; that’s all square. Ye see, I’ve got a mother in Ohio State, an’ she’d give her ears for any scrap of a thing o’ me or my new home; an’ if ye’ll git ’em both fixed off by the day arter to-morrow, I’ll send ’em down to Sacramento by Sam Scott, the trader. I’ll rig out and fix up the hut to-morrow mornin’, so if ye come by breakfast-time I’ll be ready.”
Ned promised to be there at the appointed hour, as he rose and handed him the sketch, which the man, having paid the stipulated sum, carried away to his hut with evident delight.
“Halloo, I say,” cried Ned.
“Wall?” answered the Yankee, stopping with a look of concern, as if he feared the artist had repented of his bargain.
“Mind you tell no one my prices, for, you see, I’ve not had time to consider about them yet.”