e emptied it. The process was rather lengthy and
decidedly fragrant. As a finish he smashed the jug with a stone. Then he
climbed the stairs again.

Laban was waiting for him, drops of perspiration upon his forehead.

"Was--was it there?" he demanded.

Albert nodded.

"Yes, yes. 'Twas there, eh? And did you--did you--?"

"Yes, I did, jug and all."

"Thank you, Al . . . thank you . . . I--I've been trying to muster up
spunk enough to do it myself, but--but I swan I couldn't. I didn't dast
to go nigh it . . . I'm a fine specimen, ain't I, now?" he added, with a
twisted smile. "Some coward, eh? Yes, yes. Some coward."

Albert, realizing a little of the fight the man was making, was affected
by it. "You're a brick, Labe," he declared, heartily. "And as for being
a coward--Well, if I am half as brave when my turn comes I shall be
satisfied."

Laban shook his head. "I don't know how scared I'd be of a German
bombshell," he said, "but I'm everlastin' sure I wouldn't run from it
for fear of runnin' towards it, and that's how I felt about that jug.
. . . Yes, yes, yes. I did so . . . I'm much obliged to you, Al. I shan't
forget it--no, no. I cal'late you can trot along home now, if you want
to. I'm pretty safe--for to-night, anyhow. Guess likely the new recruit
won't desert afore morning."

But Albert, watching him intently, refused to go.

"I'm going to stay for a while, Labe," he said. "I'm not a bit sleepy,
really. Let's have a smoke and talk together. That is, of course, unless
you want to go to bed."

Mr. Keeler smiled his twisted smile. "I ain't crazy to," he said. "The
way I feel now I'd get to sleep about week after next. But I hadn't
ought to keep you up, Al."

"Rubbish! I'm not sleepy, I tell you. Sit down. Have a cigar. Now what
shall we talk about? How would books do? What have you been reading
lately, Labe?"

They smoked and talked books until nearly two. Then Laban insisted upon
his guest departing. "I'm all right, Al" he declared, earnestly. "I am
honest--yes, yes, I am. I'll go to sleep like a lamb, yes indeed."

"You'll be at the office in the morning, won't you, Labe?"

The little bookkeeper nodded. "I'll be there," he said. "Got to answer
roll call the first mornin' after enlistment. Yes, yes. I'll be there,
Al."

He was there, but he did not look as if his indulgence in the lamb-like
sleep had been excessive. He was so pale and haggard that his assistant
was alarmed.

"You're not sick,