Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/144

 "‘Sure, Gump; an' now I guess I'll trot back with Mr. Smith,' replied Mitchell, fervently, taking hold of Tib's hand and gazing down on the top of his head affectionately. 'An' say, store-keeper, I's taken crazy with th' heat a few minutes ago, an' may have damaged yer door. If I did, don't hold back yer picter talk an' pester th' dear old boys on my account. Take it all out of my hide.'

"‘He don't think he'll be troubled with them fits ag'in,' explained Mac, gravely, following behind us, rope in hand.

"‘I think if he shets off on red licker fer a few months his health 'll be better,' prescribed Little Bob.

"‘Since it was all a mistake, and seeing that he is to drink no more, I guess I won't charge anything for the rock,' smiled Tib.

"‘Oh, he won't drink no more. He's took the pledge; ain't ye, Deafy?' asked Mac.

"‘Sure,' whimpered Deafy, who loved fire-water worse than an Injun.

"Only once did the imps try to break the combination. First, Gumpy came to Tib and explained the morrow was his birthday, and that, although no stamps were due him, he wanted a few on credit. Said his old mother always celebrated the day, and he liked to observe it. Tib melted in a second and passed out six stamps, but warned him his aged