Page:A Reconstruction Letter, Stedman, 1866.djvu/17

8 And explaining in full every point that we'd planned he Should make at each place), "Sir," said I to,  "Each man to his post; 'twere as well, I've been thinking,  That you do the talking, and I do the drinking—  I'm safer in that line than you"—just then   Came in with his puff, and his eye half askant,  And said, "That's all right; and if you'll do the joking  And hand-shaking business, why, I'll—do the smoking!"  So all was arranged; but thus far on the route,  It must be confessed, the people turn out  Quite as much to see  and the  as we,  And don't cheer very loud for the Old Tennessee.

Now, speaking of, I'm sometimes uncertain As to all he's concealing behind that thick curtain Of smoke, and in doubt, as we speak from the car, What he'll say when at last he puts out his cigar.