Page:Dunbar - The Sport of the Gods (1902).pdf/124

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THE SPORT OF THE GODS

"A smart man don't need to show nothin'. All he's got to do is to act."

"Oh, I'll act; we 'll all act."

"Be slow to take a drink from him."

"Thomas, my boy, you're an angel. I recognise that more and more every day, but bid me do anything else but that. That I refuse: it's against nature;" and Sadness looked more mournful than ever.

"Trust old Sadness to do his part," said the portly proprietor; and Thomas went back to the lamb.

"Nothin' doin' so early," he said; "let's go an' have a drink."

They went, and Thomas ordered.

"No, no, this is on me," cried Joe, trembling with joy.

"Pshaw, your money's counterfeit," said his companion with fine generosity. "This is on me, I say. Jack, what 'll you have yourself?"

As they stood at the bar, the men began strolling up one by one. Each in his turn was introduced to Joe. They were very

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