"What is it, man ?" cried a dozen voices.
Mocket rose in his stirrups and looked the assemblage over.

"We're all Republicans--hip, hip, hurrah! Eh, Lewis Rand, I've brought you a wedding gift! The stage had just come in--I got the news at the Eagle! Hip, hip--" "Tom," said Rand at his bridle rein, "you've been drinking.

Steady, man.
Now, what's the matter ?" "A wedding gift! a wedding gift!" repeated Tom, taken with his own conceit.

"And I never was soberer, gentlemen, never 'pon honour! Hip, hip, hurrah! we're all good Republicans--but you'll never guess the news!--The Creole's dead!" "No!" cried Rand.
There arose an uproar of excited voices.

"Yes, yes, it's true!" shouted Mocket.