LEATHER AND SPONGE HAVE A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION] 'Well, you're a cool hand, anyhow,' observed Mr.Sponge, quite taken by surprise.
'Cool 'and, or not cool 'and,' replied Leather, munching away, 'I'll do my duty to my master.

I'm not one o' your coatless, characterless scamps wot 'ang about livery-stables ready to do anything they're bid.

No sir, no,' he continued, pronging another onion; '_I_ have some regard for the hinterest o' my master.

I'll do my duty in the station o' life in which I'm placed, and won't be 'fraid to face no man.' So saying, Mr.Leather cut himself a grand circumference of beef.
Mr.Sponge was taken aback, for he had never seen a conscientious livery-stable helper before, and did not believe in the existence of such articles.

However, here was Mr.Leather assuming a virtue, whether he had it or not; and Mr.Sponge being in the man's power, of course durst not quarrel with him.