"Ghost or no ghost," returned the landlord, "he has given us a great deal of trouble, and nearly frightened himself into fits."
"The fear was not all on my side," said the indignant vocalist; "and I look upon you as the cause of the whole trouble."
"As how?"
"If the dog had not cum to your house, he never would have found his way under my bed. When I pay for my night's lodging, I don't expect to have to share it with a strange dog--no how."
So saying he retreated, grumbling, back to his bed, and we gladly followed his example.
I rose early in the morning to accompany my friends to W---. At the door of the hotel I was accosted by Mr. Browne--
"Why, you arn't goin' to start without bidding me good-bye? Besides, you have not paid me for my assistance at the con-sort."
I literally started with surprise at this unexpected demand. "Do you expect a professional price for your services?"
"Well, I guess the con-sort would have been nothing without my help; but I won't be hard upon you, as you are a young beginner, and not likely to make your fortune in that line any how. There's that pail of butter; if you don't mean to take it along, I'll take that; we wants butter to hum. Is it a bargain?"
"Oh, yes; if you are satisfied, I am well pleased." (I could have added, to get rid of you at any price.) "You will find it on the table in the hall."