On the night following Nelson's leave-taking from Sam Pepper's establishment the keeper of the resort stood behind his bar, doing business as usual. The place now glistened with glasses and mirrors, but its so-called beauty was lost to view in the tobacco smoke which filled every nook and corner.
The lunch tables had given place to little round affairs where the patrons might drink and play cards, and several of the tables were filled by a noisy crowd.
Sam Pepper had just gotten rid of two tramps who wished drinks without paying for them, when he was surprised to see the door open slowly, and Homer Bulson showed himself.
"Ah! how do you do, Mr. Bulson?" he said cheerily.
"Please don't talk so loud," replied the young man, as he came in and walked to the rear end of the polished bar.
"All right, if you want it that way. Have a drink?"
"Some whisky!" was the careless answer.
"How are you making out with the girl?"
"Haven't you heard? She has left the house. My uncle cast her out."