The first round of this drink had been welcomed with a salvo of cheers.

Hooven, recovering his spirits under its violent stimulation, spoke of "heving ut oudt mit Cudder, bei Gott," while Osterman, standing on a chair at the end of the room, shouted for a "few moments quiet, gentlemen," so that he might tell a certain story he knew.

But, abruptly, Annixter discovered that the liquors--the champagne, whiskey, brandy, and the like--were running low.

This would never do.

He felt that he would stand disgraced if it could be said afterward that he had not provided sufficient drink at his entertainment.