Josh. and Rivers. Mrs. Maroney went home with Josh., and Madam Imbert
told Rivers to keep watch on Cox's house, as something was in the wind.
Rivers informed her she would have to hurry back to the town, as
Stemples would soon close up for the night. Rivers passed slowly around
the house. He knew that Josh. had taken enough to make him sleep well,
and that Mrs. Maroney was in about the same condition, so that Mrs. Cox
was the only one he had to fear. After a while he crawled close up to
the cellar window. He heard an animated conversation going on inside,
but could not distinguish the words. Some one closed a door with a bang,
and all sound ceased. He looked up and noticed a light pouring through a
narrow window, which he knew lighted a closet opening off from the
sitting-room. He climbed up to it and saw, what was to him at least, an
amusing scene. Josh., his wife, and Mrs. Maroney, were seated in the
room. Mrs. Maroney looked as though in a violent passion, and plainly
showed that she had been drinking. Josh. was making desperate efforts to
look and act perfectly sober, but in spite of his efforts he would
occasionally give a loud hiccough, while Mrs. Cox sat bolt upright in
her chair, looking in sober disgust on both of them. Rivers, in his new
position, could see and hear all that was going on. Mrs. Maroney was
talking in an excited manner.

"What brought that Madam Imbert here to-night? I am suspicious of that
woman. She is very smart, and I saw dirt on her dress. It seems plain to
me that she has been in the cellar, and down on her knees. What made you
go up stairs and leave her here all alone?"

"You have confidence in her, but you have been drinking, and that makes
you suspicious," replied Mrs. Cox.

"How dare you talk to me in this way?" yelled Mrs. Maroney. "I know my
business! You know why I am living here, and supporting you and your
worthless, good for nothing vagabond of a husband. He could never earn a
living for himself, to say nothing of taking care of a family. All I
want you to do is to obey me and keep your mouths shut, and I will pay
you well for it; Josh. is always drunk and blabbing about."

Josh. attempted to say something.

"Hold your tongue, you fool! you are so drunk now you don't know what
you are doing!"

"Why," said Cox, "I did take a drop too much, but I don't believe I have
taken half so much as you!"

In a second Mrs. Maroney grasped a pitcher and smashed it over Josh.'s
skull! M