be a child," said Dunn. "Come, we have just proposed another
drink; you join of course; ye niver says no,--eh, Duse?" They stepped to
the counter, and Dunn, again, pointing his finger upon his nose at the
Dutchman, who stood with his hands spread upon the counter, called for
gin and bitters, Stoughton light. Turning to Manuel, who was sitting
upon a bench with his head reclined upon his hand, apparently in deep
meditation, he took him by the collar in a rude manner, and dragging him
to the counter, said, "Come, by the pipers, rouse up your spirits, and
don't be sulking, my old Portugee; take another O-be-joyful, and it'll
put ye all right, and ye'll dance a hornpipe like a jim-crack."
"Excuse me, sir; I think I have taken enough; do, please, either take me
back to my vessel, or where you are going to. This is no place for me!"
said Manuel.
"Sure, what signifies; don't be talking your botheration here; a nigger
musn't sauce a white man. Come, there's no use backing out; you must
take a glass of Swizer's lager beer," said Dunn.
Manuel looked around him, and then closing up very reluctantly, the
Dutchman filled his glass with frothy beer, and the three touched
glasses and drank. They then retired to a bench and commenced discussing
the propriety of some point of their official privileges, while Manuel
was left standing at the counter.
"Who pay de drink vat shu get?" inquired the Dutchman, anxious to serve
two little niggers who had just come in with bottles in their hands.
"It was our friend's treat; come, my good fellow, do the clean thing
according to Southern science. We'll put a good word in for you to the
jailer; you won't lose nothing by it," said Dusenberry.
"My friends, I work hard for my money, and have none to spend foolishly.
The small amount is of little consequence, but I would much sooner make
you a present of it, than to be drugged by pretence. I've no desire to
indulge the propensities of others. Whatever you are going to do with
me, do it; and let me know my fate. I am sick and fatigued, and have
need for the doctor. Take me to a prison or where you please. I have
done no crime; I want sleep, not punishment. Next time I shipwrecked,
I get plank and go overboard 'fore I cum to Charleston." So saying, he
pulled out fifty cents and threw it upon the counter, and the Dutchman
swept it into the drawer, as if it was all right, and "just the change."
"Shut up, you black rascal, you; you musn't talk
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