He would try all manner of little wary ruses to entrap somebody into an offensive remark, and his face would light up now and then when he fancied he was fairly on the scent of a fight, but invariably his victim would elude his toils and then he would show a disappointment that was almost pathetic.

The landlord, Johnson, was a meek, well-meaning fellow, and Arkansas fastened on him early, as a promising subject, and gave him no rest day or night, for awhile.

On the fourth morning, Arkansas got drunk and sat himself down to wait for an opportunity.

Presently Johnson came in, just comfortably sociable with whisky, and said: "I reckon the Pennsylvania 'lection--" Arkansas raised his finger impressively and Johnson stopped.

Arkansas rose unsteadily and confronted him.