shot on
sight. For instance, studying these faces all turned toward me, I
should say, speaking on general principles, that all except one or
two deserve, not shooting, but hanging, and if looks were to determine
a man's depth of infamy, mighty few of you would live five minutes."

Budge sank gravely into his seat and resumed smoking, while his
friends, understanding his trifling character, contemptuously refused
attention to his disrespectful remarks. In the general discussion
which followed, several insisted that the only proper punishment for
the grave offence was death; but the sentiment crystallized into the
feeling that that penalty was somewhat severe for the first breaking
of the law. It was proper enough for the second crime, but a man who
had been accustomed to picturesque and emphatic words was liable to
err once at least while on the road to reformation. The agreement
finally reached was that the offender should be heavily fined,
compelled to fast several days, or, more frightful than all, be
deprived of the privileges of the bar for the same length of time.
When the last penalty was fixed there were several suppressed groans
and a general setting of lips, with the unshakable resolve to steer
clear of that appalling punishment.

Everything was serene for several days, when, as might have been
anticipated, the explosion came. Al Bidwell, in coming out of the
Heavenly Bower, caught the toe of one of his boots and fell forward on
his hands and knees. Two of his friends seeing him naturally laughed,
whereupon, as he picked himself up, he demanded in the name of the
presiding genius of hades, what they saw to laugh at. By way of
answer, one of them pointed to Nellie Dawson, who ran forward to help
him to his feet.

"Did you hurt yourself, Mr. Bidwell? I's so sorry."

"You may well be, little one," was the bitter response, as he realized
his awful offence; "for this will play thunder with me--there it goes
agin! Please don't say another word," he exclaimed desperately,
striding down the street to save himself from piling up a mountain of
unpardonable crimes.

The committee did not gather until late that evening, for Nellie was
at home and it was thought advisable to wait until she was asleep, so
that she should not know anything of what was in the air. The
conversation was in subdued tones until Mr. Dawson tip-toed out of the
rear room, with the announcement that the little one was sunk in
slumber.

"Such