“'Why, yes,' I says; ''tis.'
“'Finest ever I see,' says he. 'I told him so when I was in there.'
“'What?' says I. 'You don't mean to say YOU'VE been in that clubroom?'
“'Sartin. Why not? I want to take in all the shows there is—'specially the free ones. Make a good billiard room, that clubhouse would.'
“I whistled. 'Whew!' says I. 'Didn't tell Gabe THAT, did you?'
“He nodded. 'Yup,' says he. 'I told him.'
“I whistled again. 'What answer did he make?' I asked.
“'Oh, he wa'n't enthusiastic. Seemed to cal'late I'd better shut up my head and my shop along with it, afore he knocked off one and his club knocked out t'other.'
“I pitied the old rascal; I couldn't help it.
“'Jotham,' says I, 'I ain't the wust friend you've got in South Orham, even if I don't play pool much. If I was you I'd clear out of here and start somewheres else. You can't fight all the best folks in town.'