I judged the fellow had come over intending to resume our interrupted conversation, but hardly knew what he had best venture.

I decided to give him a lead.
"I ain't got no money, myself," I began to explain, apologetically, "but Tim thar sed he'd pay my bill." "Sure, that's all right; I ain't a worryin' none.

Maybe I might put yer in an easy way o' gittin' hold o' a little coin--thet is if ye ain't too blame perticular." "Me!" I laughed.

"Well, I reckon I don't aim fer ter be thet.

I've bin ten years knockin' 'bout between New Orleans an' Saint Louee, steamboatin' mostly.