Also he really liked the captain.
"Ho, ho!" he crowed.

"Whit, do you realize that you're underminin' this town's constitution?
Oh, sartin, I'm with you, if it's only to see the fur fly! I do love a scrap." With Lem Myrick Captain Cy's policy was different.

He gently reminded that gentleman of the painting contract, intimated that other favors might be forthcoming, and then, as a clincher, spoke of Tad Simpson's comment when Mr.Myrick voted for Phoebe Dawes.
"Of course," he added, "if you think Tad's got a right to boss all hands and the cook, why, I ain't complainin'.

Only, if _I_ was a painter doin' a good, high-class trade, and a one-hoss barber tried to dictate to me, I shouldn't bow down and tell him to kick easy as he could.

Seems to me I'd kick first.