"Sir," said Edwards, "you must be in need of refreshment, after your
ride. Come in, sir, and come in gentlemen, all. We shall discuss the
Providential issue of the convention more commodiously within doors,
over a suitable provision of Jamaica."

The suggestion seemed to be timely and acceptable, and one by one the
gentlemen, standing aside with ceremonious politeness to let one
another precede, entered the store, Parson West leading, for it was
neither according to the requirements of decorum, or his own private
tastes, that the minister should decline a convivial invitation of
this character.

"What d'ee say, Laban?"

"What did they dew?"

"Did they 'bolish the loryers?"

"Wat did they dew baout more bills, Laban, hey?"

"What did they dew baout the taxes?"

"Why don't ye speak, man?"

"What's the matter on ye?" were some of the volley of questions with
which the people hailed their chop-fallen deputy on his return,
crowding forward around him, plucking his sleeves and pushing him to
get his attention, for he regarded them with a dazed and sleep-walking
expression. Finally he found his voice, and said: