"Surely these are matters we ought to settle amongst ourselves.

We never yet asked outsiders to meddle with our business here.

It's our motto, Brother Ware.

I say, if you've got a motto, stand by it." "Well, my motto," said Theron, "is to be behaved decently to by those with whom I have to deal; and I also propose to stand by it." Brother Pierce rose gingerly to his feet, with the hesitation of an old man not sure about his knees.

When he had straightened himself, he put on his hat, and eyed the minister sternly from beneath its brim.
"The Lord gives us crosses grievous to our natur'," he said, "an' we're told to bear 'em cheerfully as long as they're on our backs; but there ain't nothin' said agin our unloadin' 'em in the ditch the minute we git the chance.