me have another spoonful,
and then we will start with courage enough to face the devil.

"A man," my companion exclaimed, throwing back his head and looking full
at the moon, "should never depend upon liquor for courage, for in the
moment of danger he wants all his self-possession. I only make the
remark," he continued, as he handed me back the empty flask, "to warn
you against drinking any thing of an intoxicating nature upon the eve of
an important expedition."

"Your advice is good," I remarked, "and to help me carry it out you have
drained the flask of its last drop. The next time we go on an
expedition, I wish that you would practise what you preach."

"This is an ungrateful world," Mr. Brown remarked, as he rose from the
saddle upon which he had been seated, and steadied himself by holding on
my shoulder. "I have drank your liquor merely out of friendship, and now
I am reproached for my kindness; I didn't expect it."

"I didn't expect that you would help yourself so liberally," I replied,
laughing at his quiet humor. "But come along, if you intend to reach the
island before day, for it's said that ghosts don't walk during
daylight."

"Look first to your revolver, for mine is in a deplorable condition, and
wouldn't go if I should carry it. The barrel is filled with mud, and the
chambers with salt."

"Remember, there is to be no running away this time," I said, as I
replaced my revolver in my belt, having found it in good order and
condition. I almost wished, as I spoke, that Brown would decline going,
and find some valid excuse for declining. But there was no hope for
that. He had drank too much, and was as full of pluck as an Irishman on
a Fair day.

"No fear of me, my boy," he cried, as we started towards the peninsula,
walking rather slow, however. "I am determined to see what kind of a
devil is on the island, even if I tumble into the bog again. You are
sure," he continued, "that the liquor is exhausted?"

"Every drop."

"I am sorry for that, 'cos it is good to keep the stomach in order, when
mixed with a little river water. Although, to save trouble, I like it,
as a general thing, with as little of the latter as possible, for fear
of disorders and snakes."

We were within five rods of the bridge, when we suddenly stopped, as
though by mutual consent, and looked at each other for a few moments in
silence.

"Well?" said my companion.

"Well," I answered.

"Are you going to the island or not?"