The door was thrown open, and the party filed into a comfortless looking apartment, at one end of which was a rude bar.
One of the passengers, at least, seemed to know the landlord, for Col. Warner advanced to greet him, his face beaming with cordiality.
“How are you, John?” he said. “How does the world use you?”
The landlord growled something inaudible.
“Have a drink, colonel?” was the first audible remark.
“Don't care if I do. It's confounded dry traveling over these mountain roads. Walk up, gentlemen. Col. Warner doesn't drink alone.”
With the exception of Herbert and George Melville, the passengers seemed inclined to accept the offer.
“Come along, Melville,” said the colonel; “you and your friend must join us.”
“Please excuse me, colonel,” answered Melville. “I would prefer not to drink.”
“Oh, nonsense! To oblige me, now.”