The tone is of course, conversational and informal and this is emphasised by the heavy use of the vernacular or slang idioms in commons use at this period in history. The tone is also friendly and even conspiratorial - as if the teller is gossiping or imparting secrets. The length of the story (when read aloud) would probably equate to much the same time it would take for a haircut! The narrator puts himself on an equal footing with the characters in his stories, as if they are buddies - indeed, he even helps one of them out in hiding his wages from his wife. The story has a very interesting last sentence when everything comes to an abrupt end 'comb, wet or dry?' giving the effect of downplaying the significance of all that has gone before - and reminding the reader where he is - and that he is next to impart his secrets and have them retold!
