Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/105

 not been for the presence of the stalwart guides, who stood close behind him. "I came here 'cause I heared that there was plenty that an honest, hard-workin' man could do."

"And so there is," answered the constable, "but you are neither honest nor hard-working."

"They wouldn't have me an' my boys fur guides, 'cause we didn't have no fine clothes to wear," continued Matt. "An' nuther would they buy the fish we ketched, 'cause—look a yer. You needn't try to read that there paper to me, 'cause I won't listen to it, I tell you." But the constable, who had grown tired of talking, paid no attention to him. He read the notice, raising his voice as often as the squatter raised his; then Matt's boys, and finally his wife came to his assistance, and this started the guides, who flourished their fists in the air and shouted until they were red in the face. Among them all they raised a fearful hubbub, and, of course, the officer's voice was entirely inaudible; but he read calmly on, and when he had finished the document he walked away, followed by the guides, and leaving the squatter and his family in a