"That skunk Shrimplin says my old woman's been here," he faltered, "poisonin' your mind agin me!" A sickly grin relaxed his heavy jaws. "The Lord only knows what she expects of a man—I dunno! The more I try, the worse she gets; nothin' satisfies her!"
His breath, reeking of whisky, reached the judge.
"This is all very well, Montgomery, but I have a word or two to say to you—come into the house."
He led his disreputable visitor into the library, turned up the gas, and intrenched himself on the hearth-rug with his back to the fire. The handy-man had kept near the door leading into the hall.
"Come closer!" commanded the judge, and Montgomery, hat in hand, advanced a step. "I wish to warn you, Montgomery, that if you persist in your present course, it is certain to bring its own consequences," began the judge.
"Sure, boss!" Joe faltered abjectly.
"I understand from Nellie that you have practically deserted your family," continued the judge.
"Ain't she hateful?" cried Joe, shaking his great head.
"When she married you, she had a right to expect you would not turn out the scoundrel you are proving yourself."
"Boss, that's so," agreed Montgomery.