flickering gas jets. Finally he reached a door and led them into a
room where the gas had to be lighted. It showed them a cheerless
apartment in spite of the red of wall paper and carpet.

"Only three bucks," said the proprietor with the air of one bestowing
charity out of the fullness of his heart. "Bathroom only two doors
down. I guess you can't beat this layout, gents?"

Bill Gregg glanced once about him and nodded.

"You come up from the South, maybe?" asked the proprietor, lingering
at the door.

"West," said Bill Gregg curtly.

"You don't say! Then you boys must be used to your toddy at night,
eh?"

"It's a tolerable dry country out there," said Ronicky without
enthusiasm.

"All the more reason you need some liquor to moisten it up. Wait till
I get you a bottle of rye I got handy." And he disappeared in spite of
their protests.

"I ain't a drinking man," said Gregg, "and I know you ain't, but it's
sure insulting to turn down a drink in these days!"

Ronicky nodded, and presently the host returned with two glasses,
rattling against a tall bottle on a tray.