'
But Graeme laughed at his suspicion, and we passed on. The orchestra was
tuning up. There were two violins, a concertina, and the 'cello. Billy
Breen was lovingly fingering his instrument, now and then indulging
himself in a little snatch of some air that came to him out of his
happier past. He looked perfectly delighted, and as I paused to listen
he gave me a proud glance out of his deep, little, blue eyes, and went
on playing softly to himself. Presently Shaw came along.
'That's good, Billy,' he called out. 'You've got the trick yet, I see.'
But Billy only nodded and went on playing.
'Where's Nixon?' I asked.
'Gone to bed,' said Shaw, 'and I am glad of it. He finds that the safest
place on pay-day afternoon. The boys don't bother him there.'
The dancing-room was lined on two sides with beer-barrels and
whisky-kegs; at one end the orchestra sat, at the other was a table with
refreshments, where the 'soft drinks' might be had. Those who wanted
anything else might pass through a short passage into the bar just
behind.
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