It would not do to betray
his feelings, so he ended his sally with a huge laugh that had about as
much music and heartiness in it as the caw of a crow. Buffum joined him
with his wheezy chuckle, but having sense enough to see that Jim had
really been pained, he explained that he kept his paupers as well as he
could afford to.
"Oh, I know it," said Jim. "If there's anything wrong about it, it don't
begin with you, Buffum, nor it don't end with you; but it seems a little
rough to a feller like me to see people shut up, an' in the dark, when
there's good breathin' an' any amount o' sunshine to be had, free gratis
for nothin'."
"Well, they don't know the difference," said Buffum.
"Arter a while, I guess they don't," Jim responded; "an', now, what's
the damage? for I've got to go 'long."
"I sha'n't charge you anything," whispered Mr. Buffum. "You hav'n't said
anything about old Tilden, and it's just as well."
Jim winked, nodded, and indicated that he not only understood Mr.
Buffum, but would act upon his hint. Then he went into the house, bade
good-bye to Mr. Buffum's "women," kissed his hand gallantly to the elder
Miss Buffum, who declared, in revenge, that she would not help him on
with his pack, although she had intended to do so, ands after having
gathered his burdens, trudged off northward.
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