He sarved an attachment," replied the inevitable humorist of all Californian assemblages.
"Is he here ?" asked Mrs.Tucker, disregarding the renewed laughter which followed this subtle witticism.
The loungers at the door made way for one of their party, who was half dragged, half pushed into the shop.

"Here he is," said half a dozen eager voices, in the fond belief that his presence might impart additional humor to the situation.

He cast a deprecating glance at Mrs.
Tucker and said, "It's so, madam! This yer place _is_ attached; but if there's anything you're wanting, why I reckon, boys,"-- he turned half appealingly to the crowd, "we could oblige a lady." There was a vague sound of angry opposition and remonstrance from the back door of the shop, but the majority, partly overcome by Mrs.Tucker's beauty, assented.

"Only," continued the officer explanatorily, "ez these yer goods are in the hands of the creditors, they ought to be represented by an equivalent in money.

If you're expecting they should be charged"-- "But I wish to, _pay_ for them," interrupted Mrs.Tucker, with a slight flush of indignation; "I have the money." "Oh, I bet you have!" screamed a voice, as, overturning all opposition, the malcontent at the back door, in the shape of an infuriated woman, forced her way into the shop.