'What answer did he make ?' I asked.
"'Oh, he wa'n't enthusiastic.

Seemed to cal'late I'd better shut up my head and my shop along with it, afore he knocked off one and his club knocked out t'other.' "I pitied the old rascal; I couldn't help it.
"'Jotham,' says I, 'I ain't the wust friend you've got in South Orham, even if I don't play pool much.

If I was you I'd clear out of here and start somewheres else.

You can't fight all the best folks in town.' "He didn't make no answer.

Just kept on a-puffin'.