Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/138

 "‘Never mind what he has taken,' replied Tib, tartly, bending over his books; 'he didn't drink in working-hours. One stamp for Mr. Tuttle, Billy. Beware of the serpent, Mr. T., and never tempt a fellow-creature.'

"‘How many do I get?' asked a burly, shame-faced fellow, approaching amid a universal grin.

"‘I'm sorry, Mr. Gumpy, but there is no mail for you. You fired seven bullets through the northeast corner of Mr. Daggett's cabin at noon and knocked out a great deal of the chinking. No delicacies for Mr. G., Billy,' cautioned Tib.

"‘Wal, I'll be—'

"‘Tut, tut!' warned Tib. 'You will be if you say naughty things. See that sign up there? It forbids swearing in my store. Be careful, or you'll lose another stamp.'

"‘But I've got to eat!' howled the giant, glaring at his overjoyed companions.

"‘You can always get the staff of life,' assured Tib, gravely. 'Billy, one pound of potatoes and a pound of pork for Mr. G.'

"‘But I only did it fer fun,' remonstrated Gumpy. 'I knowed Dag wasn't at home.'

"‘Ye ain't no right ter spile my home life,' grinned Daggett, and the crowd roared.

"‘Dern ye, Fatty, come out here an' I'll clean ye up!' yelled Gumpy to Tib, as he grabbed his groceries.