'It's a cosy place, an' there's nae sulphur aboot. Besides a'that,' he went on enthusiastically, 'it'll be a terrible savin'.I've juist been coontin'.'

'You bet!' ejaculated a voice with great emphasis.

'I've juist been coontin',' went on Geordie, ignoring the remarkand the laugh which followed, 'an' it's an awfu'-like money ye pitower wi' the whusky. Ye look at ye canna dae wi' ane bit glass; yemaun hae twa or three at the verra least, for it's no verra forritye get wi' ane glass. But wi' yon coffee ye juist get a saxpence-worth an' ye want nae mair.'

There was another shout of laughter, which puzzled Geordie much.

'I dinna see the jowk, but I've slippit ower in whusky mair nor ahunner dollars.'

Then he paused, looking hard before him, and twisting his face intoextraordinary shapes till the men looked at him in wonder.

'I'm rale glad o' this saloon, but it's ower late for the lad thatcanna be helpit the noo. He'll not be needin' help o' oors, Idoot, but there are ithers'--and he stopped abruptly and sat down,with no applause following.