“Thee is right,” said the tramp, recollecting himself. “It is only for my health. Thee may make it strong, so that I may feel better soon.”
Rudolph drained the glass, and then, after a little hesitation, he said:
“I feel better. Will thee mix me another glass, and a little stronger?”
A stronger glass was given him.
The barkeeper looked at him shrewdly.
Quaker as he is, he is evidently used to brandy,” he said to himself. “If he wasn’t, those two glasses would have upset him.”
But Rudolph did not appear to be upset.
He put his broad-brimmed hat more firmly on his head, and went outside. He decided to take a walk about the village. He little suspected that Tony was in the stable yard in the rear of the hotel.
He walked on for perhaps a quarter of a mile, and then leaned against a fence to rest. As he stood here two boys passed him slowly, conversing as they walked.
“I was surprised, Sam, at Tony Rugg’s licking you,” said the first.