The old man, complimented by Charley’s surprise, placed the smoking oysters upon the table with a bow of the old school.
“Why, they are beauties! Ah, I am glad you will join me, Uncle Tom! I never saw finer.”
“Dey is fine, Marse Charley, dat’s a fac’. Polly she save ’em for you special. You know, young mahster” (another bow), “de old-time people used to say you must speed de partin’ guest.”
“That’s true. By the way, Uncle Dick, what do you say to a little something to warm up your old bones?”
“Since you mention it, Marse Charley, I believe de frost has tetched ’em a little.”
“Well, get that bottle out of the sideboard,—you know where it is.”
“Know whar ’tis? I wish I had as many dollars as I know whar dat bottle sets!”
“Or would you prefer ale?”
“Thank you, young mahster; whiskey good enough for Dick.”
“There, ’tisn’t more than half full; take it out and give Polly her share.”