Lamar rose, went to the door that led into the room and locked it, dropped the ventilating sash above it, pulled down the shade at the window, and resumed his seat at the table. After that the conversation between the two men was carried on in subdued tones.
Twenty minutes later they came out into the barroom. The man who had given the lie to Lamar was gone. So were most of those who had heard him. But their places were more than filled by others who had come in.
Lamar called all hands to the bar. The drinks, he said, were on him.
“That’s right!” affirmed Bricky, nodding to every one. “It’s Steve’s treat. Say what you’ll have.”
When the glasses were all filled Lamar raised his and said:
“Here’s to better times and better wages!”
“And to the man that brings ’em!” added Bricky.
So they all drank.