We wouldn't want our brand served here." The last bill was paid.

Proprietor Ashby stiffened, his backbone, trying to look game.
"Gentlemen," he inquired, "where are you going from here?
Won't you let me call the 'bus to take you ?" "Never mind the 'bus, Ash," smilingly replied the leader of the drummers, a man named Pritchard.

"If you'll send the 'bus over to the Cactus House with our trunks we'll be greatly obliged." "Certainly, gentlemen, it's a pleasure to oblige you," murmured Ashby, with a ghastly effort to look pleasant.

He watched the eight men step outside.

Duff and his crowd had vanished.