So Obed regretted his insinuations against the Major's integrity.
After a while he threw the account books upon the top of the chest of drawers, put on his hat and coat and announced that he was going over to the depot for a "spell." Polena did not deign to reply, so, after repeating the observation, he went out and slammed the door.
Now, two hours later, as he stood in the doorway of the club, he was debating what he should do in a certain matter.

That matter concerned Major Hardee and was, therefore, an extremely delicate one.

At length Mr.Gott climbed the narrow stairs and entered the clubroom.

It was blue with tobacco smoke.
The six or eight members present hailed him absently and went on with their games of checkers or "seven-up." He attempted a game of checkers and lost, which did not tend to make his temper any sweeter.

His ill nature was so apparent that Beriah Higgins, who suffered from dyspepsia and consequent ill temper, finally commented upon it.
"What's the matter with you, Obed ?" he asked tartly.