n't charge you nothin' for the room."

I wondered what Johnston, who conferred with his companions, would do.

"I think we will," said the chairman. "Much obliged to you. File in
quietly, boys, and those who can't find room will sit on the veranda."

Harry chuckled. "This is distinctly a new line for our partner," he
commented, "and the whole trio have pluck enough. I fancy if the other
side try any tricks they'll find their match in Johnston."

Then, amid banter and laughter, the big bronzed men filed up the long bare
room, after which all eyes were turned toward the three who sat on a
little platform beside a piano. Facing them another group, who I fancied
meant mischief, lounged against the bar, looking on sardonically. Then the
proprietor, who wore a large diamond in his white shirt-front, came out.

"This yere discussin' temperance is thirsty work," he said, "and it might
improve the general harmony if before you begin in earnest you had a drink
with me. Ask them what they're shouting for, Jim; and, Jess, for once
you'll rustle round with the tray."

There was a jingle of glasses, and a damsel with very pink cheeks and
lemon-colored hair, who apparently presided over the piano, went round
with a tray. It was emptied several times, and I began to foresee that the
temperance demonstration would fail miserably, as it might have done but
for Johnston's ready wit and the opposite party's imprudence. Grinning
derisively, Hemlock Jim led the waitress straight up to the orators'
platform, and, with the revolver showing significantly as he bent forward,
he held out the tray saying:

"It will help the good feelin' if you have a drink with me."

This was a false step. A big man from the bush of Ontario, whose forebears
had probably been Scottish Covenanters, stretched his long limbs out in
front of Hemlock, while Johnston smiled as he answered:

"Not at present. Unfortunately I'm a little particular as to whom I drink
with. Boys, don't you think it would be fairer if you heard our guests
first, and then paid for your own refreshment afterward if they didn't
convince you?"

Hemlock Jim deliberately set down his tray, the Ontario bushman seemed
gathering himself together for some purpose, and there was an ominous
glitter in Johnston's eyes, while just as I expected the fray to begin,
the proprietor called out laughingly:

"Sit right down, Jim. Pass on them glasses, Jess. I guess they won't
refuse you."

It was dipl