I'm like the feller in court without a lawyer; he said he couldn't tell whether he was guilty or not 'count of havin' no professional advice.

That's what I've come to you for, Ed--professional advice." He told the harbor appropriation story.

At the incident of the "committee of one" his friend laughed heartily.
"Rather put your foot in it that time, Captain, didn't you ?" he said.
"Yup.

Then I got t'other one stuck tryin' to get the first clear.

How's it look to you?
All straight, do you think?
or is there a nigger in the wood pile ?" Mr.Everdean seemed to reflect.
"Well, Captain," he said, "I can't tell.