After supper the things were quickly taken out by Mandy. The white
tablecloth was removed, and one in which the prevailing color was bright
red took its place.
The three men drew up to the open fireplace. Uncle Ike pulled out his
pipe and said, "Do you allow smoking here, 'Zeke?"
'Zekiel replied, "I wish you and Mr. Sawyer to make yourselves perfectly
at home and do just as you would if you were in your own house."
"Well, if I did that," said Uncle Ike, "you wouldn't need Mandy, for I
should be chief cook and bottle washer myself."
Uncle Ike lighted his pipe, and Ezekiel took a cigar from his pocket,
saying, "I guess I'll smoke, too." Then his face reddened. He said, "Beg
pardon, Mr. Sawyer, I have only this one."
"That's all right," rejoined Quincy, "a cigar would be too heavy for me
to-night. I have a slight headache, and if you will excuse me I will
roll a cigarette."
[Illustration: "MANDY SKINNER," AS SHE APPEARS IN THE PLAY.]
He took his little case of rice paper from his pocket and also a small
pouch of tobacco, and deftly made and lighted a cigarette.
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