"Oh, that's it. I began to think you had taken the temperance pledge, and given up your old friends."
"I haven't come to that yet," said Mr. Huxter, in a tone which indicated that he considered taking the pledge a very discreditable proceeding.
"No; I thought you'd have too much sense for that. What'll you have this morning?"
"Give me a glass of something stiff. Let it be extra good, for I'm going to pay up the old score."
No doubt it was extra good, for Mr. Huxter drank it with evident enjoyment, and immediately ordered another glass. This, too, was drank, and after a little desultory conversation Mr. Huxter left the tavern.
It occurred to him that his stock of tobacco was out, and he went into the store hard by to lay in a fresh supply. While he was paying for it the clerk said:—
"You brought a boy home with you, Mr. Huxter, didn't you?"
"Yes. How'd you know?"
"I saw him on the stage, and somebody said he got off at your house. Going to stay with you?"
"Yes, I've taken charge of him."