"Well," he said, "what do you ladies want with me?"

Their leader faced him, a small and yet commanding figure, with an
imperious expression and sparkling eyes.

"You got a notice that from supper-time this bar must be shut!"

"I did, ma'am. It was signed by you. Now, so far as I know, the
magistrates are the only people who can close my hotel."

"That's so!" shouted somebody; and there were confused murmurs and
harsh laughter which suggested that some of the loungers were not quite
sober.

"Fire them out!" cried another man. "Guess this is why Nelson gets
cold potatoes for his supper. Ought to be at home mending socks or
washing their men's clothes."

The lady turned sternly on the last speaker.

"Yes," she said; "that's the kind of idea you would hold. It's getting
played out now."

George was conscious of slight amusement. The affair had its humorous
side, and, though he was ready to interfere if the women were roughly
handled, he did not think they ran any serious risk. Beamish looked
capable of dealing with the situation.

"You don't require to butt in, boys," he said. "Leave me to talk to
these ladies; I guess their intentions are good." He bowed to Mrs.