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See now, he continued, as he filled three high glasses. Let us drink the quarrelling toast of the lodge. After that, as you know, there can be no bad blood between us. Now, then, the left hand on the apple of my throat. I say to you, Ted Baldwin, what is the offense, sir? The clouds are heavy, answered Baldwin. But they will forever brighten. And this I swear! The men drank their glasses, and the same ceremony was performed between Baldwin and McMurdo. There! cried McGinty, rubbing his hands. Thats the end of the black blood. You come under lodge discipline if it goes further, and thats a heavy hand in these parts, as Brother Baldwin knowsand as you will damn soon find out, Brother McMurdo, if you ask for trouble! Faith, Id be slow to do that, said McMurdo. He held out his hand to Baldwin. Im quick to quarrel and quick to forgive. Its my hot Irish blood, they tell me. But its over for me, and I bear no grudge. Baldwin had to take the proffered hand; for the baleful eye of the terrible Boss was upon him. But his sullen face showed how little the words of the other had moved him. McGinty clapped them both on the shoulders. Tut! These girls! These girls! he cried. To think that the same petticoats should come between two of my boys! Its the devils own luck! Well, its the colleen inside of them that must settle the question; for its outside the jurisdiction of a Bodymasterand the Lord be praised for that! We have enough on us, without the women as well. Youll have to be affiliated to Lodge 341, Brother McMurdo. We have our own ways and methods, different from Chicago. Saturday night is our meeting, and if you come then, well make you free forever of the Vermissa Valley. |
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