"I belief id," said Dan'l, wagging his ancient head. "Dey like to be ready to draw quick like, if anybody shteps on anybody's toes. Yes; of course."
"What a horrible idea!" exclaimed Patsy.
"They're quite liable to dance and murder in the same breath," the
Major observed, gloomily.
"I don't like it," said Beth. "It's something awful just to think of.
Haven't they any gallantry?"
"No," answered Patsy. "But I wouldn't dance with a lot of half drunken men wearing revolvers, if they burned me at the stake for refusing."
"Ah! shtick to dat fine expressionment," cried Dan'l, eagerly. "Shtick to id! Say you won't dance if dey wear de refolfers—unt den we win de schweepstakes!"
Patsy looked at him critically, in the instant catching a part of his idea.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Dan'l explained, while they all listened carefully, absorbed in following in thought his unique suggestions.
"Let's do it!" exclaimed Beth. "I'm sure the plan will succeed."