Joe went ahead, for his animal was much better than the sorry nag which Mr.Bickford bestrode.

The latter walked along with an air of dejection, as if life were a burden to him.
"If I had this critter at home, Joe, I'll tell you what I'd do with him," said Mr.Bickford, after a pause.
"Well, what would you do with him ?" "I'd sell him to a sexton.

He'd be a first-class animal to go to funerals.

No danger of his runnin' away with the hearse." "You are not so hungry but you can joke, Joshua." "It's no joke," returned Mr.Bickford.

"If we don't raise a supply of provisions soon, I shall have to attend my own funeral.