"Beautiful day, Sir! Splendid season! How do you do, Mr.
Ringgan?"
"Why, Sir, I never was better in my life, barring this lameness, that disables me very much. I can't go about and see to things any more as I used to. However we must expect evils at my time of life. I don't complain. I have a great deal to be thankful for."
"Yes, Sir, we have a great deal to be thankful for," said Mr. Jolly, rather abstractedly, and patting the old mare with kind attention.
"Have you seen that fellow, McGowan?" said Mr. Ringgan, abruptly, and in a lower tone.
"I have seen him," said Mr. Jolly, coming back from the old mare to business.
"He's a hard customer, I guess, aint he?"
"He's as ugly a cur as ever was whelped!"
"What does he say?"
"Says he must have it."
"Did you tell him what I told you?"