Granny looked disappointed. She was very fond of whiskey, and, having plenty of money, saw no reason why she should be deprived of her favorite beverage.
“Aint there any to be got near by?” she asked.
“There’s a saloon a few rods up the road,” was the reply.
“Could I find it easy?”
“Yes, there’s a sign outside. It’s a small one-story building. You can’t miss it.”
Mrs. Walsh hastily bought a couple of cakes for Tom, and hurried out of the building. There stood the cars, liable to start at any time. It was the part of prudence to get in, and granny hesitated. But the desire for a dram was strong within her, and she thought she could run over and get a glass, and be back in time. The train stopped ten minutes for refreshments, and she had not consumed more than five. The temptation proved too strong for her to resist.
She reached the saloon, and, entering, said, “Give me a glass of whiskey, quick. I’m going right off in the train.”
The whiskey was poured out, and granny drank it with a sense of exquisite enjoyment.
“Give me another,” she said.
Another was poured out, and she had half drunk it, when the whistle was heard. This recalled the old woman to the risk she incurred of being left by the train. Setting down the glass hastily, she was hurrying out of the saloon, when she was stopped by the bar-tender.