Page:Morley roberts--Painted Rock.djvu/220

 "Gentlemen, step up and breast the bar and drink with me. I'm glad to be back!"

There was something in Brazos that struck them all. He certainly wasn't so young. He spoke with an air. Something of his ancient ingenuous look had disappeared. The men knew he was one of them.

"We will," said they.

"Here's to Texas and to you, gentlemen," said Brazos, "and to London Town!"

"Eh?" said Pillsbury.

"London Town; London in England," said Brazos.

"You've bin thar?"

"Yep," said Brazos.

"Straight?"

"As a straight flush," said Brazos.

They stared at him.

"You don't say! Why, you ain't bin gone six weeks!"

"Eight," said Brazos. "Six weeks at sea, one in London, and one away in the perairies and mountings in the no'th of England. Boys, it's a town! Boys, it's a kentry!"

The news went around. In twenty