nis was under the influence of a danseuse, and the
proportions of the breakfast could only have indicated a determination
to commit suicide by repletion.

On his way to the street Dennis paused to inform the barman of his
intended departure.

As an indication of his sentiments at this announcement, the barman, who
was engaged in the mixture of a mysterious decoction, said, as he poured
an amber-colored fluid into the glass: "This wan is fur grief at the
goin', an' this wan"--pouring from another bottle--"is fur good luck
when ye git there," and he pushed the mixture toward Dennis.

But the young Irishman, remembering his recent experience, declined with
thanks.

"No?" queried the barman. "Well, an' that's not a bad idea at all. It's
the right sthart fur a bad day an' a bad sthart fur a right wan. 'Tis
th' divil's own way av showin' wan's sintimints." Then, reaching for
the glass, he added: "I'll do th' honors fur th' two av us"; and with
the singular tendency, so often noted under such circumstances, to
swallow with haste that which it required such trouble to prepare, the
barman bolted the contents of the glass and looked his appreciation
through moist eyes.

As Dennis neared the establishment of his employer, he recalled his
obligation.

He must begin the day by informing the foreman of his changed
intentions.

He disliked the idea of the possible friction involved in the
performance of this disagreeable duty, but there seemed to be no other
way out of the dilemma.

His announcement, however, was to be less embarrassing than he
anticipated.

His providence was about to take a short nap.

As he approached the foreman, he discovered that individual, several
degrees less breezy than usual, engaged in an animated conversation with
a young man whose prevailing expression was so penitential that Dennis,
with prompt Celtic intuition, decided that he was gazing upon his
predecessor in office.

He was assured of this by the glance of belligerent appraisement with
which the young fellow surveyed him from head to foot, in response to
some suggestive indication from the foreman.

He seemed, to the apprehensive eyes of Dennis, to be calculating his
chances in the event of a physical contest.

And this recalled what the foreman had said about his biceps.

"You want to see me?" queried the latter with an expression in which the
sunshine seemed overdue.

"Yes," answered Dennis as his employer stepped aside to hea