"Blow not so bad as a punch on the head, old boy. Deblish cleber old codger," repeated the Yahoo, laughing immoderately. "Deblish cleber 'Gustus too!"
"Who is he?" I inquired.
The nigger attempted to rise in his chair, and to make a profound bow, but failed in both attempts.
"I'm 'Gustus!" said he, "at your sarvice—take a glass of wine with you!"
I pledged the gentleman, and he continued.
"You know Massa Sinclair?"
"A little."
"Big jackass, Massa Sinclair. Awful big. He no run away with Missy Elinor, Missy run away with him. Massa General run away with both. 'Gustus do it all."
I groaned.
"You ain't well? Take glass rum? Bery good rum!"