"That brandy would put life into a grindstone!"
"It's put life into our friend here, without doubt." And as the very disinterested companion of Martin said this, he slapped him again upon the shoulder.
The two men turned from the bar and sat down again by the stove, both getting more and more familiar and chatty.
"Suppose we try a game of dominoes or chequers?" at length suggested the friend.
"No objection," replied Martin. "Any thing to make the time pass agreeably. Suppose we say chequers?"
"Very well. Here's a board. We'll go into the backroom where it's more quiet."
The two men retired into the little den in the rear of the bar-room, where were several parties engaged at cards or dice.
"Here's a cozy little corner," said the pleasant friend of Martin.
"We can be as quiet as kittens."
"What's the stake?" he next inquired, as soon as the board was opened and the pieces distributed. "Shall we say a bit?"
Martin received, at the close of each day, his earnings. Of his seventy-five cents, he had already paid out for board thirty-one and a quarter cents; and for a glass of liquor and some tobacco, six cents more. So he had but thirty-seven and a half cents. This sum he drew from his pocket, and counted over with scrupulous accuracy, so as to be sure of the amount. While he was doing so, his companion's eyes were fixed eagerly upon the small coins in his hands, in order, likewise, to ascertain their sum.