uently replied Slim, who was surprised and delighted
with the great impression he was making with his experience at church.
"Oh, he was a game old buck, he was. Why, the minute he sighted that
there prodigious son a-limpin' across the mesa, he ran right out an'
fell on his neck--"

"An' broke it," cried Fresno, slapping Sage-brush with his hat in his
delight at getting at the climax of the story before Slim reached it.

The narrator cast a glance of supreme disgust at the laughing puncher.
"No, what the hell!" he shouted. "He hugged him. Then he called in
the neighbors, barbecued a yearlin' calf, an' give a barn-dance, with
fireworks in the evenin'."

"That's all right in books," observed Sage-brush, "but if I'd made a
break like that when I was a kid my old man would a fell on my neck for
fair."

"That was a good story, Parson--it's straight, ain't it?" asked Slim,
as a wave of doubt swept over him.

"It's gospel truth," answered the minister. "Do you know the moral of
the story?"

"Sure," replied Slim. With a confidence born of deep self-assurance,
Slim launched the answer: "Don't be a fatted calf."

At first his hearers did not grasp the full force of the misapplication
of the parable. Mr. Price could not refrain from laughing. The others
joined with him when the humor of the reply dawned upon them. Pointing
scornfully at the fat Sheriff, they shouted gleefully, while Slim
blushed through his tan.

"Now, if you'll kindly show me where--" began Mr. Price.

"Sure. All the liquor's in the kitchen--" said Sage-brush, expanding
with hospitality.

Slim pushed Sage-brush back into his chair, and Parenthesis tapped the
minister on the shoulder to distract his attention.

"Thanks. I meant to ask for a place to change clothes."

"Sure you mustn't mind Sage-brush there," apologized Parenthesis; "he's
allus makin' breaks. Let me tote your war-bag. Walk this way."

"Good day, gentlemen," smiled Mr. Price. "When you are up my way, I
trust you will honor my church with your presence--" adding, after a
pause--"without waiting to lose an election bet."

The entrance of a Greaser to refill glasses diverted the attention of
the guests until the most important function for them was performed.
With "hows" and "here's to the bride," they drank the toast. Slim, as
majordomo of the feast, felt it incumbent upon himself to keep the
others in order. Turning angrily upon Sage-brush, he said. "Why did
you tell t