"So!" he exclaimed. "It is that we are not good enough to drink
with you, eh?"
"No," replied Chester; "we simply don't drink. That is all. We appreciate
your courtesy in thinking of us, and we drank your toast in water, which
is the strongest drink we ever touch."
Hal, who up to this time had remained silent in his chair, now rose
to his feet.
"Look here," he said, facing the fiery Frenchman; "we are on important
business and haven't time to fool with you. My friend has explained why
we didn't drink wine with you. That should settle the matter."
"But it doesn't settle it," exclaimed the Frenchman, now in a rage. "You
refused to drink with us because you think us not good enough."
"All right, have it that way if you will," said Chester wearily. "If you
say so, then we didn't drink because you are not good enough."
"_Mon Dieu_!" cried the Frenchman, and his hand rested upon the butt of
his revolver. "You have insulted me, and for that you shall pay."
With one hand still resting upon his revolver, he stepped quickly
forward, and before Chester could realize what was up, he slapped the lad
sharply in the face.
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