Hicks wet his lips with his tongue, pausing, after the manner of a good
raconteur, to gaze calmly about upon the faces of his auditors.
"I could n't see jist how much the feller disgorged, but he wus
almighty reluctant an' nifty about it; an' then I heerd him say,
sneerin'-like, 'Now, damn yer, how much more do you want?' An',
gents, what do yer think thet actor kid did? Cop ther whole blame
pile? Not on yer whiskers, he didn't. He jist shoved them scads
what hed been given him careless-like down inter his coat pocket, an'
faced Mister Manager. 'Not a dirty penny, Albrecht,' he said, sorter
soft-like; 'I 'm a-goin' to take whut yer owe me out of yer right now.'
An', by gory, gents, he sure did. I can't say as how I see much o' the
fracas, 'ceptin' the dust, but when thet long-legged Lane jerked out a
pearl-handled pop-gun I jist naturally rapped him over the knuckles
with my '45.' an' then tossed him over inter the bunch. Say, thet beat
any three-ringed circus ever I see. The kid he pounded Albrecht's head
on the platform, occasionally interestin' Lane by kickin' him in the
stomick, while I jist waltzed 'round promiscous-like without seein' no
special occasion to take holt anywhar. I reckon they 'd a been thar
yit, if the train hands had n't pried 'em apart, an' loaded the remains
onter a keer. An' then thet actor kid he stood thar lookin' fust at
me, an' then after them keers. 'Hicks,' he panted, 'did I git fifty
dollars' worth?' 'I rather reckon ye did,' I said, thoughtfully, 'en
maybe it mought be a hundred.' An' then he laughed, an' brushed the
dust off his clothes. 'All right, then,' says he; 'let's eat.' An' I
never see no nicer feller after he got thet load offen his mind."
Winston, totally unconscious that he had thus achieved an enviable
reputation in certain rather exclusive social circles of San Juan,
proceeded straight to the hotel, pausing merely a moment in the
wash-room to make himself a trifle more presentable, tramped up the
stairs, and rapped briskly at Miss Norvell's door. He was still
flushed with victory, while the natural confidence felt in her
appreciation of his efforts yielded him a sense of exhilaration not
easily concealed. The door was promptly opened, and, with her first
glance, she read the success of his mission pictured within his face.
As instantly her eyes smiled, and her hand was extended in the
cordiality of welcome.
"I can perceive without a word being spoken that you discovered your
man," she exclaimed, "and I am so glad!"