Hodge made a wry face and did not touch his “chaser,” which was carried away by the waiter.
Bart excused himself and followed the waiter inside.
“Here, Tom,” he softly called.
“Yes, sar,” said the waiter, pausing.
Bart whispered something in his ear, at the same time slipping a dollar into his hand.
The black fellow looked surprised and then grinned in a knowing manner.
“Yes, sir! Thank yo’, sar!” he exclaimed. “I’ll look out fo’ it, sar—’deed I will. Don’t yo’ worry ’bout that.”
Saying which, he took the glass left by Hodge from the tray and drained its contents.
“I’ll drink all yo’ chasers, sar,” chuckled the colored man.