No man can interfere between him and them. He does with em whatsoever
he will. And that's why I call them slaves."
Now, Meshech Little was slightly intoxicated. By that mysterious
faculty, whereby the confirmed drunkard, although absolutely
impecunious, nevertheless manages to keep soaked, while other thirsty
men can get nothing, he had obtained rum. And Meshech it was who,
proceeding in that spirit of frankness engendered by the bottle, now
brought about the solution of a misunderstanding, that was becoming
painful.
"Wha' ye say, Perez, z'all right, but wha'n time be _yew_ a sayin
on it fer? Ye be dressed so fine, an a cap'n b'sides, that we callated
ye'd take yer tod tew the store, long with the silk stockins, 'stid o'
consortin with common folks like we be."
There was a general sensation. Every mouth was opened, and every neck
craned forward to catch the reply.
"Did you think so, Meshech? Well, you see you are mistaken. There's
not a man among you has less cause to love the silk stockings, as you
call them, than I have, and you Meshech ought to know it. Nine years
ago, my brother Reub and I marched with the minute men. Parson and
Squire Woodbridge, and Squire Edwards and all of em, came round us and
said, 'We'll take care of your father and mother.
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