Seth [defending himself]. I walk round them cottages jest as often as I need t' walk round them cottages.
Lon. Huh! I could tell a tale. Who was it set with his feet in the oven last winter, an' let Jack Tompkins break into them cottages—with keys? [Seth does not answer.] I could tell, I could. But I ain't a goin' t' 'til they put me on the witness-stand. [Pause.] But the furst initials o' his name is Seth Polland.
Seth [rising instantly]. Lon Polland, yuh ever tell an' I'll skin yuh alive.
Lon. Huh!
Seth. Skin yuh like a pole-cat.
Lon. Huh!
[Seth turns, knocks the ashes from his pipe into the stove. Lon rises; takes Seth's chair and rocks vigorously.]
Seth. Yuh know what I got on yuh.
[Lon's bravado is short-lived. He rocks less strenuously.]
Seth. Yuh thought I didn't see yuh, but I was right on the spot when yuh set fire t' Mr. Rogers' bath-house.