bar-tender--"Mix us a couple of stiff brandy toddies."

The bar-tender nodded and smiled his acceptance of the order, and
the two men retired to a table that stood in a remote part of the
room, at which they were soon served with the liquor.

"Bill mixes the best brandy toddy I ever tasted. He knows his
business," said Ellis, as he put the glass to his lips. "Isn't it
fine?"

"It is very good," replied Wilkinson, as he sipped the tempting
mixture.

But his thoughts were turning homeward, and he scarcely perceived
the taste of what he drank. Suddenly, he pushed the glass from him,
and, making a motion to rise from the table, said--

"Indeed, Ellis, I must go home. My child is sick, and Mary will be
distressed at my absence. Come around to my store, to-morrow, and we
will talk this matter over. Neither you nor I are now in a fit state
to discuss so grave a matter.

" Sit down, will you!"

This was the reply of Ellis, as he caught quickly the arm of his
friend, and almost forced him, by main strength, to resume his seat.

"There, now," he added, as Wilkinson resumed his seat. "Never put
off until to-morrow what can as well be done to-day. That is my
motto. I want to talk with you about Cara, and no time is so good as