"I'll make the most of you, if you don't look out!" blustered the man. "If you'll just step outside we can settle this little argument to the queen's taste," and he seemed very eager to have Joe accept his challenge.
"Now see here! There'll be no fighting on these premises," declared the hotel proprietor, with conviction.
"No, we'll do it outside," growled the man.
"Not with me. I don't intend to fight you," said Joe as quietly as he could.
"Huh! Afraid; eh?"
"Well, you're a coward and a——"
"That will do, Wessel. Get out!" and the proprietor's voice left no room for argument. The man slunk away, giving Joe a surly look, and then the supper bill was paid, and receipted.
"Who was he?" asked Joe, when the fellow was out of sight.
"Oh, I don't know any good of him," replied the hotel man. "He's been hanging around town ever since the ball season closed."