Better be very careful and utmostly cautious, sir, the negro warned him.

When socializing it's important that you never talk business unless they bring it up. If you do, you'll find out quickly that you're no longer invited to any of the really good reindeer games. Rather, be a good listener.

dig some gossip up on him.

That excessive development of the epidermis which gives rise to a nail takes place, in the Horse, not only upon the dorsal surface of the terminal joint of the digit, but upon its ventral surface and sides, and thus produces a hoof. The animal is supported by these greatly-developed nails, and hence is said to be unguligrade.