Page:The Valley of Fear.pdf/215

Rh “Well, I’ve given you the pointer, and you’re a sulky dog not to thank me for it.”

“Well, I suppose you mean well, and I do thank you,” said McMurdo in no very gracious manner.

“It’s mum with me so long as I see you living on the straight,” said the Captain. “But, by the Lord! if you get off after this, it’s another story! So goodnight to you—and goodnight, Councilor.”

He left the barroom; but not before he had created a local hero. McMurdo’s deeds in far Chicago had been whispered before. He had put off all questions with a smile, as one who did not wish to have greatness thrust upon him. But now the thing was officially confirmed. The bar loafers crowded round him and shook him heartily by the hand. He was free of the community from that time on. He could drink hard and show little trace of it; but that evening, had his mate Scanlan not been at hand to lead him home, the fêted hero would surely have spent his night under the bar.

On a Saturday night McMurdo was introduced to the lodge. He had thought to pass in [213]