"Waal, Charley," said Bill, "this yere is Mr.——"
"Lewis," interposed Dodge quickly.
"Mr. Lewis," said Bill queerly. "Mr. Lewis, permit me to make you acquainted with Charley Sears, generally called Handsome Charley. Will you take a little pisen with us, Charley?"
Handsome Charley gave Dodge his hand, which the lawyer shook gingerly, his coolness causing the fellow to frown.
They all drank, and Bill lurched, catching at the edge of the bar.
"'Scuse me," he said, with unusual politeness. "Always makes me dizzy to dance. There is a right good lot of whirlin' around in it, you know."
Charley smiled.
"You had a fine partner that last dance, Bill; but you ought to bring out that handsome gal an' take a spin with her, man. I 'low it ain't right to keep her under kiver when every gent yere is yearnin' to set eyes on her."
"They'll have to keep right on yearnin'," averred Bill, frowning.