e smartest
youngster that was ever born. Does any gent feel disposed to dispoot
the aforesaid statement?" he abruptly asked, laying his hand on the
butt of his revolver and looking severely around in the faces of his
friends.

No one questioned the assertion. Had it been left to them to choose
the words, they would have made them stronger.

"Wal, the remark I was about to remark is that I hear some coarse
observations once in awhile. I may say that I have indulged in a few
myself when the 'casion was suitable and called for 'em, but I want to
give notice that the thing must stop in the presence of the angel."

"Your suggestions generally ain't worth listenin' to," observed Ike
Hoe, "but there's solid sense in them words. I have been troubled over
the same thing and was goin' to submit a proposition."

"You're a purty one to do it," commented Vose Adams scornfully; "why
it's only yesterday that I heerd you say 'darn' just because I
happened to smash the end of your finger, with the hammer I was
drivin' a nail with."

"Did the little one hear him?" asked Wade Ruggles, while an expression
of horror settled on every countenance.

"No, sir!" declared Ike; "afore I indulged in the expression, so
proper under the tryin' circumstances, I looked round to make sartin
she wasn't in hearing distance."

"You must have looked very quick," said Vose; "for the horrible words
was simultaneous with the flattenin' of your big forefinger.
Howsumever, I gazed round myself and am happy to say she warn't in
sight. If she had been, I'd smashed all your fingers."

"A very proper Christian spirit," commended Wade; "I hope all the rest
of you will strive to emerlate it."

Felix Brush was leaning on the end of the bar with a glass of steaming
toddy, which he had partly sipped, and was now caressing with his
hand.

"Gentlemen," said he impressively, "permit me a word. Wade has touched
a subject which appeals to us all. I have given it much thought for
the past few days and feel it my duty to look after the religious
instruction of the child."

Two or three disrespectful snickers followed this declaration. The
parson instantly flared up.

"If any reprobate here feels a desire to scoff, he's only to step
outside for a few minutes and see who can get the drop on the other."

Everybody knew that the parson was always well heeled, and no one
questioned his courage. His friends contented themselves with pitying
smiles and significant gl