Even Black Gandil rose to take his share in the ceremony--all save Bud Mansie, who had glanced out the window a moment before and then silently left the room.

A bottle of whisky was produced and glasses filled all round.

Jim Boone brought in the seventh chair and placed it at the table.

They raised their glasses.
"To the empty chair," said Boone.
They drank, and for the first time in his life, the liquid fire went down the throat of Pierre.

He set down his glass, coughing, and the others laughed good-naturedly.
"Started down the wrong way ?" asked Wilbur.
"It's beastly stuff; first I ever drank." A roar of laughter answered him.
"Still I got an idea," broke in Jim Boone, "that he's worthy of takin' the seventh chair.