The cause of their boisterousness was quite apparent; they were plentifully supplied with whiskey.

Then, as now, the "Maine law" prohibited the sale of intoxicants; but this happened to be one of the numerous periods when the authorities were lax in enforcing the law.
Soon one of the newly arrived moose hunters drew out a large flask, from which all three drank.

Turning to us, he cried, "Step up, boys, and take a nip!" Addison thanked him, but said that we were just going to bed.
"Oh, you'll sleep all the warmer for it.

Come, take a swig with us." We made no move to accept the invitation.
"Aw, you're temperance, are you ?" one of the three exclaimed.

"Nice little temperance lads!" "Yes," Addison said, laughing.