They strolled up the rambling street, past many straggling buildings, and at length paused before the little building, made of sun-dried brick, and plastered with mud, where Dan Anderson had his residence and his law office.
"You'll excuse me, Mr.Ellsworth," said that young gentleman, "for bringing you here, but the truth is I thought you might be thirsty and might get poisoned.

You have to do these things gradually, till you get immune.

Now, under my bed, I've got a bottle which never has been opened and which ought to be safe.

I don't bother corks a great deal, only when we are welcoming distinguished guests." "It's just a little soon after dinner," demurred Ellsworth, "but, ahem! That dust--yes, I believe I will." There was a dignity about Dan Anderson now which left Ellsworth distinctly uncomfortable.

The latter felt himself in some fashion at a disadvantage before this penniless adventurer, this young man whom once he had not cared to have as a regular visitor at his own home back in the far-off East.
"You don't mean to tell me, young man," he spoke after a long period of silence, "that this is the way you live ?" "Certainly," said Dan Anderson.