companion and laughed.

Suddenly his little courage began to ooze out, and he knew what she must
be saying to the fellow at her side, for he looked over at him and
grinned. Where now was the philosophy of Sadness? Evidently Minty had
not been brought under its educating influences, and thought about the
whole matter in the old, ignorant way. He began to think of it too.
Somehow old teachings and old traditions have an annoying way of coming
back upon us in the critical moments of life, although one has long ago
recognised how much truer and better some newer ways of thinking are.
But Joe would not allow Minty to shatter his dreams by bringing up these
old notions. She must be instructed.

He rose and went over to her table.

"Why, Minty," he said, offering his hand, "you ain't mad at me, are
you?"

"Go on away f'om hyeah," she said angrily; "I don't want none o'
thievin' Berry Hamilton's fambly to speak to me."

"Why, you were all right this evening."

"Yes, but jest out o' pity, an' you was nice 'cause you was afraid I 'd
tell on you. Go on now."

"Go on now," said Minty's young man; and he looked menacing.

Joe, what little self-respect he had gone, slunk out of the room and
needed several whiskeys in a neighbouring saloon to give him courage to