“A tall, thin young man, wit' a dude's moustache an' a diamond ring on his right hand. He do be whiter nor most. Have a care would ye meet him around the city an' let him pick a fight wit' ye. An' have a care, sor, would ye go out av a night.”
“Thank you, Don Juan. You're the soul of kindness. What else do you know?”
“Well,” Don Juan replied with a naïve grin, “I did know somethin' else, but shure, Misther Geary advised me to forget it. I was wit' him in the launch last night.”
Webster stepped out of the veranda and laid a friendly hand on Don Juan Cafetéro's shoulder. “Don Juan,” he said gently, “I'm going back to the United States very soon. Would you like to come with me?”
Don Juan's watery eyes grew a shade mistier, if possible. He shook his head. “Whin I'm dhrunk here, sor,” he replied, “no wan pays any attintion to me, but in America they'd give me ten days in the hoosgow wanst a week. Thank you, sor, but I'll shtay here till the finish.”
“There axe institutions in America where hopeless inebriates, self-committed, may be sent for a couple of years. I believe 6 per cent, are permanently cured. You could be one of the six—and I'd cheerfully pay for it and give you a good job when you come out.”
Don Juan Cafetéro shook his red head hopelessly. He knew the strength of the Demon and had long since ceased to fight even a rear-guard action. Webster put a hand under the stubbly chin and tilted Don Juan's head sharply. “Hold up your head,” he commanded. “You're the first of your breed I ever saw who would admit he was whipped. Here's five dollars for you—five dollars gold. Take it and return with the piece intact to-morrow morning, Don Juan Cafetéro.”
Don Juan Cafetéro's wondering glance met Webster's directly, wavered, sought the ground, but at a jerk on his chin came back and—stayed. Thus for at least ten seconds they gazed at each other; then Webster spoke. “Thank you,” he said.
“Me name is John J. Cafferty,” the lost one quavered.
“Round one for Cafferty,” Webster laughed. “Good-bye now, until nine tomorrow. I'll expect you here, John, without fail.” And he took the derelict's hand and wrung it heartily.