“Nor me.”

“Nor me.”

“But I assure you—”

“Yes, you assured us a few minutes ago.”

“I had misgivings all the time that Miss Emma would tell about the goose.”

“But, mother dear, don't cry; I thought we could trust a gentleman.”

“So we could, but we should have known better than to trust a Yankee.”

I believe that I would have shot the bummer who confiscated that goose had he been within range of my revolver while I was under fire on that piazza. I never felt quite so mean in the presence of ladies before.

“Go and join your partner,” said the mother.

“Leave us, sir!” chorused the daughters.