Is this courtesy, is it common fairness, is it the boasted civilization of our nineteenth century ?" [Illustration: "AND YET I HAVE BEEN PESTERED BY CHEAP FLINGS AT MY PERSONAL BEARING."] Hoarse expressions of incredulity, of execration, of disgust, came from the crowd as it raised glasses once more.

The Colonel glared down the sloppy length of the bar, then gazed aloft into the smoky heights.

The crowd waited for him to say something.
"This is a beautiful day, gentlemen.

A fine, balmy spring day.

Let us be out and away to mossy dells.