But really I'm only his'n a fif'.'
"'His fif?' the young lady said, looking puzzled. I stepped up to them to
explain, just for politeness, though I was sure that they weren't
customers, 'She means that he owned a fifth interest in her previous
to--the recent change in affairs.'
"'That's hit,' said Mammy, nodding to them. 'But I don't expect to hear
from the other fif's. It don't make much diffunce, howsomever, bein' ez how
the Bureau is gwine settle up.'
"The visitors evidently did not understand this. I explained what Mammy was
after--you had told me, you know. They were very much amused, and asked a
heap of questions. After a little talk between themselves, in which I could
not help seeing that the young lady was very earnest, the gentleman asked:
"'Is the work for sale?' Was it for sale!"
My friend nearly prostrated me with a hearty punch by way of expressing his
feelings, whilst I was choking for an answer.
"Well, sir, I gave him the figger. He bought so quick that it made me sick
I hadn't asked more. Looker here!"
He displayed two new greenbacks which covered the amount. We embraced.
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