wine, and in the early prodigal way of the west, a dish pan full of this was set out on the table for use of any who desired to partake. It was said that they even insisted that the Elder take some, and that he did touch it to his lips. This was taken as evidence that he did not hold himself above his associations, and there were few boys on the range that would not swear by Elder Stephens. He was a powerful influence for good in the early west.

The wine was a little light for some of them, and they surreptitiously emptied their flasks into the beverage. The result was that it grew stronger as the evening waned.

W. J. Kelly, who recently died in Denver, and who was the oldest actual resident of Banner county at the time of his death, was there, and he took Jim Pogue into the kitchen for refreshment. He had Jim to put his lips to the edge of the pan, while he tipped it, and Jim let the mixed beverage run down his throat in considerable quantity. As Pogue straightened up, he wiped the tears from his eyes, and said: "Bill, I always did have a good time when I was with you."

The groom was a bit nervous, and the boys would urge him to "take a bracer and buck up. It ain't as bad as it seems," and otherwise "jolly" him. Boots usually was a very brave man, but the boys' tormenting got on his nerves, and he wept during the ceremony, which filled the boys with glee.