XXIX.
THE BITER BIT.[4]
In the broad light of day a would-be highwayman sprang from the bushes that skirted the “Big Road,” and with a pistol pointed at Eli’s head commanded the wayfarer to hold up his hands. Without hesitation Eli obeyed, grabbing his hat from his head while his hands were making the ascent. Then he stood trembling, as if in great fear, and said:
“Lawdy, Boss, what is dat you got?”
The highwayman replied: “It’s a bulldog.”
“Kin he bark, Boss?” asked poor Eli.
“Certainly,” was the answer.
“Boss, I’ll give you a dollar des to hyeah dat dawg bark wunst,” said humble Eli.
“Bang!” went the gun, and the ball went crashing through the woods. Eli pulled out a silver dollar and handed it over to the would-be robber.
“Do hit ag’in, Boss,” said Eli.
A second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth time the dog barked, and each time Eli paid a dollar for the fun. When the revolver had been emptied the old negro asked pitifully:
“Boss, can’t he bark no mo’?”
On being assured that the dog could bark no more Eli said:
“Well, Boss, ain’t you got anuddah dawg?”
The robber said he was sorry, but he did not have another. Then Uncle Eli said, as he ran his hand into his hip pocket:
A Biter Bit.
“Boss, I got one uv dem dawgs myse’f, an’ I ’spec’ I’ll let you hyeah mine bark some. Drap yo’ dawg, Boss, an’ drap hit quick,” he commanded as he pointed his gun at the would-be robber’s head. Down went the other man’s gun.
“Now drap dem dollars right ’long side uv dat gun. Be quick,” said Eli. Down went the dollars.
“Now you git, an’ don’t you look back. Step lively, an’ ef you das’ to look back you sho will hyeah sump’n impawtunt!”