Then, after cigars or cigarettes had been lit, they proceeded to buy the things desired for the den.
"Laying in quite a stock, ain't ye ?" said the tavern keeper.
"Oh, we are getting this for the whole crowd," replied Pender carelessly.

"But, say," he added suddenly.
"What is it ?" "We don't want you to say anything about our buying this stuff." "All right, I'll be mum," answered the tavern keeper.
From the tavern they proceeded to the general store, where they purchased the packs of cards and a few other things.
While they were making their purchases two girls came in with a market basket between them.

One was tall and thin and the other short and rather stout.

Yet the girls looked very much alike and were noticeably pretty.
"Fine girls," whispered Flapp to Rockley, nudging his companion in the ribs.
"Yes," was the answer, and Rockley began to smile openly on the new arrivals.

As the girls did not appear to notice this, he drew closer and tipped his cap.
"Fine day after the storm," he said smoothly.