I said buryin' association, didn't I?
Well, it was not with the idea of castin' gloom over this merry gatherin'.

Far be it...." He was so evidently seeking a way out of his predicament, that Mary tossed her head triumphantly.

This acted as a spur to his reeling wits.
"Let me tell you why," he went on.

"Because, Bill, you got such an all-fired pretty wife, that's why.

All the fellows is crazy over her, an' when they get to runnin' after her, what'll you be doin'?
You'll be gettin' busy.