I insinuated myself among them so as to get into their good graces, believing that if I should get into a difficulty they would stand by me.

I saw several of these persons going up to the saloon buying whiskey, and I thought this might be the most effectual way by which I could gain speedily their respect and sympathy.

So I participated with them pretty freely for awhile, or at least until after I got my fare settled.

I placed myself in a little crowd of them, and invited them all up to the bar with me, stating that it was my treat.

This was responded to, and they walked up and drank and I footed the bill.