It had been a tavern in the old days, and was still a big and roomy structure.
Yet there was no mistaking the room in which the object of their quest was to be found.

The door of the saloon opened repeatedly while the boys stood regarding the place.
Dick stepped over to a man who had just come out.
"Is Tom Drake in there ?" Dick asked.
"Yes." "Is he sober ?" Dick pressed.
"Yes; so far," answered the man.
"Will you do me a great favor?
Just step inside and tell him that there is a man outside who wants to see him.

Just tell him that, and nothing more." "Are you from Drake's wife ?" asked the man, looking Dick over shrewdly.
"Yes," Dick admitted, candidly.
"I'll do it," nodded the man.

"Drake has been making a fool of himself.

He'll go to pieces and find himself without a job before the year is out.