"God never made a man who could do more damage when he lets go of himself an' do it faster.

There ain't no use o' talkin'." There being no use of talking, our new hired man continued to talk while I listened with breathless interest and growing respect.

He took a chew of tobacco and squinted his eyes and seemed to be studying the wooded rock ledges across the road as he went on: "You'll find me wide awake, I _guess_.

I ain't afraid o' anythin' but lightnin'-- no, sir!--an' I can hurt hard an' do it rapid when I begin, but I can be jest as harmless as a kitten.

There ain't no man that can be more harmlesser when he wants to be an' there's any decent chance for it--none whatsomever! No, sir! I'd rather be harmless than not--a good deal." This relieved, and was no doubt calculated to relieve, a feeling of insecurity which his talk had inspired.