"No offence, Mr. Tweedie," said Alick, quickly, "strictly unintentional."
"No harm, no harm," replied Ezra, as he got up and put on his hat; "but I guess it is time for me to go if my things are ready, Mr. Stout."
Peter handed Ezra his basket, and then whispered something in his ear. "Certainly, certainly," said Ezra, "it shall be attended to the first of the week." And then turning to the others wished them, "Good evening, gentlemen," walked quickly to the door, and went out.
"Ain't he the queerest little man you ever see?" observed Sam, when Ezra had gone.
"Queer!" replied Alick, "he ain't any queerer in his way than you are in yours."
"Well, I dunno; he's a little too womanish to suit me," said Sam.
"If you had a streak of it in you perhaps you'd show off better." Just then the door was opened, and Barbara Wallace came in and started toward the group of men, hesitated for a moment, and then stopped. The men took the pipes from their mouths and stared at the woman in dripping garments. She was evidently in great distress and looking for some one, but the tobacco smoke was so thick, and the light so dim, that it was difficult for her to distinguish the faces of the men present. Doctor Jones got up and went toward her.
"Are you looking for some one, Miss Wallace?" he asked.
"Yes, doctor, I wanted you, and I hoped"—her voice trembled—"I hoped to find Mr. Blake here, too." When the undertaker heard his name he joined them.