Albert could not understand how he could possibly help another man keep the pledge, but his promise was eagerly given.
“Thanks . . . thank you, Al. . . . And now will you do something for me--a favor?”
Laban did not answer at once. He appeared to be on the point of doing so, but to be struggling either to find words or to overcome a tremendous reluctance. When he did speak the words came in a burst.
“Go down stairs,” he cried. “Down those stairs you came up. At the foot of 'em, in a kind of cupboard place, under 'em, there's--there probably is a jug, a full jug. It was due to come by express to-day and I cal'late it did, cal'late Jim Young fetched it down this afternoon. I--I could have looked for myself and seen if 'twas there,” he added, after a momentary hesitation, “but--but I didn't dare to. I was afraid I'd--I'd--”
“All right, Labe. I understand. What do you want me to do with it if it is there?”
“I want you--I want you to--to--” The little bookkeeper seemed to be fighting another internal battle between inclination and resolution. The latter won, for he finished with, “I want you to take it out back of the buildin' and--and empty it. That's what I want you to do, empty it, Al, every drop. . . . And, for the Almighty's sake, go quick,” he ordered, desperately, “or I'll tell you not to before you start. Go!”
Albert went. He fumbled in the cupboard under the stairs, found the jug--a large one and heavy--and hastened out into the night with it in his hands. Behind the shoe store, amid a heap of old packing boxes and other rubbish, he emptied it. The process was rather lengthy and decidedly fragrant. As a finish he smashed the jug with a stone. Then he climbed the stairs again.
Laban was waiting for him, drops of perspiration upon his forehead.
“Yes, yes. 'Twas there, eh? And did you--did you--?”
“Thank you, Al . . . thank you . . . I--I've been trying to muster up spunk enough to do it myself, but--but I swan I couldn't. I didn't dast to go nigh it . . . I'm a fine specimen, ain't I, now?” he added, with a twisted smile. “Some coward, eh? Yes, yes. Some coward.”
Albert, realizing a little of the fight the man was making, was affected by it. “You're a brick, Labe,” he declared, heartily. “And as for being a coward--Well, if I am half as brave when my turn comes I shall be satisfied.”