jug up to drink out of it. Some of the whiskey ran down on his shirt front. The two men smiled when Jim came in with the jug. A.J. Smith sent for glasses and Liz brought them. A.J. poured out three big shots.
"Well, here's looking at you, A.J.," said Charley Wyman.
"That damn big buck, Jimmy," said A.J.
"Here's all the ones we missed, A.J.," said Jim, and downed his liquor.
"Tastes good to a man."
"Nothing like it this time of year for what ails you."
"How about another, boys?"
"Here's how, A.J."
"Down the creek, boys."
"Here's to next year."
Jim began to feel great. He loved the taste and the feel of whiskey. He was glad to be back to a comfortable bed and warm food and the shop. He had another drink. The men came in to supper feeling hilarious but acting very respectable. Liz sat at the table after she put on the food and ate with the family. It was a good dinner. The men ate seriously. After supper they went into the front room again and Liz cleaned up with Mrs. Smith. Then Mrs. Smith went upstairs and pretty soon Smith came out and went upstairs too. Jim and Charley were still in the front room. Liz was sitting in the kitchen next to the stove
- 7 -
