He drained the goblet.

"Now, then," said Christie gayly, "let's find Jessie, and be off!"




CHAPTER V


Whatever might have been his other deficiencies as an escort, Whiskey
Dick was a good horseman, and, in spite of his fractious brute,
exhibited such skill and confidence as to at once satisfy the young
girls of his value to them in the management of their own horses,
to whom side-saddles were still an alarming novelty. Jessie, who
had probably already learned from her sister the purport of Dick's
confidences, had received him with equal cordiality and perhaps a more
unqualified amusement; and now, when fairly lifted into the saddle by
his tremulous but respectful hands, made a very charming picture of
youthful and rosy satisfaction. And when Christie, more fascinating than
ever in her riding-habit, took her place on the other side of Dick, as
they sallied from the gate, that gentleman felt his cup of happiness
complete. His triumphal entree into the world of civilization and
fashion was secure. He did not regret the untasted liquor; here was
an experience in after years to lean his back against comfortably in
bar-rooms, to entrance or defy mankind. He had even got so far as
to formulate in fancy the sentence: "I remember, gentlemen, that one
afternoon, being on a pasear with two fash'nable young ladies," etc.,
etc.