“Now,” said Johnny, “I feel like a new man. And before we go any farther I have a little duty to perform.”
“Which is?”
“Another drink at the sign of the Glass Pillars, or whatever they call the place.”
“We don’t want anything more to drink just now,” I protested.
400“Oblige me in this one treat,” said Johnny in his best manner.
We entered the Arcade, as the bar was called. At once the loafers moved forward. Johnny turned to them with an engaging air of friendliness.
“Come on, boys, let’s all take a drink!” he cried.
The glasses were poured. Johnny raised his. The others followed suit. Then all drained them simultaneously and set down the empty glasses.
“And now,” went on Johnny in the same cheerful, friendly tone, “let’s all pay for them!”
The loafers stared at him a moment. One growled menacingly, but fell silent under his clear glance. One or two others forced a laugh. Under Johnny’s compelling eye they all paid. Billy, behind the bar, watched with sardonic amusement. When Johnny proffered his dust, the barkeeper thrust it back.