“So I understand,” said I.

“Is Suffolk your county, sir?” asked William.

“Yes,” I said, with some importance. “Suffolk’s my county.”

“I’m told the dumplings is uncommon fine down there,” said William.

I was not aware of it myself, but I felt it necessary to uphold the institutions of my county, and to evince a familiarity with them; so I shook my head, as much as to say, “I believe you!”

“And the Punches,” said William. “There’s cattle! A Suffolk Punch, when he’s a good ’un, is worth his weight in gold. Did you ever breed any Suffolk Punches yourself, sir?”

“N-no,” I said, “not exactly.”

“Here’s a gen’lm’n behind me, I’ll pound it,” said William, “as has bred ’em by wholesale.”