Part 32 (1/2)
Melville did not interfere, for he knew it would give offense, but he hoped his young clerk would refuse.
”Thank you,” said Herbert; ”I won't object to a gla.s.s of sarsaparilla.”
”Sarsaparilla!” repeated the colonel, in amazement. ”What's that?”
”We don't keep no medicine,” growled the landlord.
”Have you root-beer?” asked Herbert.
”What do you take me for?” said the landlord, contemptuously. ”I haven't got no root-beer. Whisky's good enough for any man.”
”I hope you'll excuse me, then,” said Herbert. ”I am not used to any strong drinks.”
”How old are you?” asked the colonel, rather contemptuously.
”Sixteen.”
”Sixteen years old and don't drink whisky! My young friend, your education has been sadly neglected.”
”I dare say it has,” answered Herbert, good-naturedly.
”Gentlemen,” said Col. Warner, apologetically, ”the boy is a stranger, and isn't used to our free Western ways. He's got the makings of a man in him, and it won't be long before he'll get over his squeamishness, and walk up to the bar as quick as any one of us.”
Herbert and Melville stood apart, while the rest of the company emptied their gla.s.ses, apparently at a gulp. It was clear that their refusal had caused them to be regarded with dislike and suspicion.
The accommodations of the Echo Gulch Hotel were far from luxurious. The chambers were scarcely larger than a small closet, clap-boarded but not plastered, and merely contained a bedstead. Was.h.i.+ng accommodations were provided downstairs.
Herbert and George Melville were a.s.signed to a single room, to which they would not have objected had the room been larger. It was of no use to indulge in open complaints, however, since others had to fare in the same way.
”This isn't luxury, Herbert,” said Melville.
”No,” answered the boy; ”but I don't mind it if you don't.”
”I am afraid I may keep you awake by my coughing, Herbert.”
”Not if I once get to sleep. I sleep as sound as a top.”
”I wish I did; but I am one of the wakeful kind. Being an invalid, I am more easily annoyed by small inconveniences. You, with your st.u.r.dy health, are more easily suited.”
”Mr. Melville, I had just as lief sleep downstairs in a chair, and give you the whole of the bed.”
”Not on my account, Herbert. I congratulate myself on having you for a roommate. If I had been traveling alone I might have been packed away with the colonel, who, by this time, would be even less desirable as a bedfellow than usual.”
The worthy colonel had not been content with a single gla.s.s of whisky, but had followed it up several times, till his utterance had become thick, and his face glowed with a dull, brick-dust color.
Col. Warner had been a.s.signed to the adjoining chamber, or closet, whichever it may be called. He did not retire early, however, while Herbert and George Melville did.
Strangely enough, Herbert, who was usually so good a sleeper, after a short nap woke up. He turned to look at his companion, for it was a moonlight night, and saw that he was sleeping quietly.