The two men sat for a while smoking in silence, John taking an occasional sip of his grog.

Mr.Harum had swallowed his own liquor "raw," as was the custom in Homeville and vicinity, following the potation with a mouthful of water.

Presently he settled a little farther down in his chair and his face took on a look of amused recollection.
He looked up and gave a short laugh.

"Speakin' of canals," he said, as if the subject had only been casually mentioned, "I was thinkin' of somethin'." "Yes ?" said John.
"E-up," said David.

"That old ditch f'm Albany to Buffalo was an almighty big enterprise in them days, an' a great thing fer the prosperity of the State, an' a good many better men 'n I be walked the ole towpath when they was young.