But he hated to hurt Paw's feelings, or Hank's or Joe's.

They had made the hootch with a new and different twist, and they were honestly anxious for his judgment and approval.

He decided that perhaps he really ought to take a little more just to please them; not much--a couple of drinks maybe.
Wherefore, he graciously consented to taste the "run" of the day before.

Thereafter Casey Ryan hooted to the satisfaction of everybody, himself most of all.
After an indeterminate interval the four left the still, taking a bottle with them so that it might be had without delay, should they meet a snake or a hydrophobia skunk or some other venomous reptile.

It was Casey who made the suggestion, and he became involved in difficulties when he attempted the word venomous.