more or less dishevelled, are thrust from every berth. MRS. ROBERTS
remains invisible and silent, and the loud and somewhat complicated
respiration of her AUNT makes itself heard in the general hush of
expectancy. A remark to the effect that "The old lady seems to enjoy her
rest" achieves a facile applause. THE CALIFORNIAN again addresses the
culprit.] Come, now, what do you say? I'll give you just one-half a
minute.

MRS. ROBERTS (from her shelter). Oh, please, _please_ don't make him say
anything. It was very trying in me to keep him awake, and I know he
didn't mean any offence. Oh, _do_ let him be!

THE CALIFORNIAN. You hear that? You stay quiet the rest of the time;
and if that lady choses to keep us all awake the whole night, don't _you_
say a word, or I'll settle with you in the morning.

[Loud and continued applause, amidst which THE CALIFORNIAN turns from the
man in the berth before him, and restores order by marching along the
aisle of the car in his stocking feet. The heads vanish behind the
curtains. As the laughter subsides, he returns to his berth, and after a
stare up and down the tranquillized car, he is about to retire.]

A VOICE. Oh, don't just bow. Speak!

[A fresh burst of laughter greets this sally. THE CALIFORNIAN erects
himself again with an air of baited wrath, and then suddenly breaks into
a helpless laugh.]

THE CALIFORNIAN. Gentlemen, you're too many for _me_.