trickling over them. The ladies shrieked and were
tearful over the ruin of their pretty gowns. Mr. D----, on the spot
instantly, quieted his guests as best he could on the one hand, and
berated the waiter for a clumsy, club-footed baboon on the other.
Explanation was difficult, if not impossible. Arms flew, hard words
flew; the male guests were not backward in adding their say. Then,
even as I had been before, the coloured man was vindicated. Suddenly
two women and a man sprang on top of the table and yelled for help.
Mr. D---- looked upon them open-mouthed. The three on top of the table
clutched one another, and howled in unison. Mr. D----'s eye fell on
Billy, crest up, war-like in demeanour, and also on a well-dressed man
backing rapidly under the table.

A flash of understanding illumined Mr. D----. The deer, evidently,
felt a little playful; but it would never do, under the circumstances.
"Come here, sir!" he commanded. Billy only lived to obey such a
command, as I have shown. But this time Mr. D---- recognised a
difference, and went about like a crack yacht. He had intentions of
reaching the door. Billy cut off retreat. Mr. D---- thought of the
well-dressed man, and dived under the table. Those who had stood
uncertain, seeing this line of action taken by one who knew the customs
of the country, promptly imitated him. The passengers of the Eastern
express were ensconced under the tables, with the exception of a
handful who had preferred getting on top of them.

Outside, three cow punchers, who chanced to be riding by, were
perfectly astonished by the noises that came from that hotel. They
dismounted and investigated. When they saw the feet projecting from
beneath the cloths, and the groups in statuesque poses above, they
concluded not to interfere, although strongly urged by the victims.
"You are cowards!" cried the man with the two women. The punchers
joyfully acquiesced, and said, "Sick 'em, boy!" to the deer.

Meanwhile, the express and the United States mail were waiting. The
conductor, watch in hand, strode up and down the platform.

"What do you suppose they're doing over there?" he asked his brakeman.

The brakeman shrugged his shoulders. "Ask them punchers," he replied.

The conductor lifted his voice. "What's the matter?" he called.

"Oh, come and see! Come and see!" said the punchers. "It's too good
to tell.'"

The conductor shut his watch with a snap.

"Five minutes late,