Wheeler. Did you ride over with him in the stage?
Read. Yes, there was no one in the stage with us except the Deacon's boy, Billy.
Wheeler. (disappointed) Has he a boy with him? That's bad.
Read. Yes, a dull, ignorant, country lout. But he'll not interfere with your plans, for I sent him around the square, and some of the boys will be sure to detain him and have some fun with him.
Wheeler. Did you have any trouble in getting the Deacon to try your lemonade?
Read. (laughing) Not a particle. He complained about the heat and the jostling of the stage making him feel sick and giddy; so I pulled out my flask, told him I was subject to just such attacks while travelling, and that I always went prepared for such emergencies, etc. After I assured him that the flask contained nothing but weak lemonade and a harmless ingredient to give it its peculiar color, he nearly emptied it for me.
Wheeler. Did you mix your lemonade according to my directions?
Read. Yes, and if he is not jolly blind drunk inside of a half hour, then I don't know my man. His tongue was beginning to wag when I left him. But I must be off, for the Deacon is nearly here. (starts to go, but stops near L. U. E. as Wheeler speaks)
Wheeler. Read, stop a moment. Try and find Walters, and send him here inside of an hour, will you?
Read. You forget that Walters has not returned from——