"Well," says the boy, "I'll tell you, Watty, but I wouldn't 've told
him after what he said."
"But what's the news, Tracey?" There is suspense in the iteration.
"Well, seein's it's you, Watty--"
"You Tracey Tanner, you run 'long and stop your jokin'!" interrupts
Hiram with authority.
"'Tain't no joke; it's news, I'm tellin' you. Sa-ay, what d'ye think,
Watty?"
"Yes, Tracey, yes? What is it, boy?"
"Thet--Noo--York--dood," drawls Tracey, "is a-workin' for Sam Graham!"
A dramatic pause ensues. I rise and find my coat.
"Tracey Tanner," shrills Hiram, "be you a-tellin' the truth?"
"Kiss my hand and cross my heart and vow Honest Injun, I seen him up
there just now in the store, Watty, tendin' the sody fountain."
"Wal," says Hiram, rising, "I don't believe a word of it, but if it's
true we better be goin' round to see, Watty, 'cause it ain't a-goin' to
last long. He won't stay after he finds out Sam ain't got no money to
pay his wages with."