blackest-eyed and snappiest of the race--and she says, 'Zeke
Scraggs! Where you been?' I just fell into her arms.

"'Bear with me, Susan, or Mary Ann, or whatever your name is,' says
I, 'for I've had a ter'ble time.'

"'You behave yourself, you old idiot, or I'll do you personal
harm,' says she.

"'Thank you, thank you for them sweet words, spoke by somebody
_alive_, anyhow,' says I. 'And this much more, Mrs. Scraggs,' says
I, 'before we part. If ever you hear me complain of anythin'
concernin' you ladies just you say "Oggsouash" to me and hold your
hand, so, to indicate an empty glass.

"'Good-night, Susanna--Merry Christmas,' says I. 'On my word of
honor, there has been one moment of my life when I was glad to see
you.'

"And I left her standin' there, with the candle in her hand,
paralyzed.

"And I can conclood, as I suggested in the beginning, that I had
not foresaw one item of these occurrences when I risked that
collar-button."




IV