Confused about this word - "Consultee"

[Thatch]

Here is the beginning of an O Henry short story titles Hearts and Crosses:

Baldy Woods reached for the bottle, and got it. Whenever Baldy went for anything he usually - but this is not Baldy's story. He poured out a third drink that was larger by a finger than the first and second. Baldy was in consultation; and the consultee is worthy of his hire.
I am confused by that last sentence. The reason is because I don't understand the word "consultee", as it's not in any dictionary, online or offline. Is O Henry referring to the consultee being the bottle? I understand that Baldy was in consultation, but I don't understand the next part. Can anyone help in clarifying its meaning? :confused:

[Logos]

The whole story for context can be read here :)
http://www.online-literature.com/o_henry/1018/

I don't have time to read the whole story right now...but I think consultee (the one being 'consulted' or asked of their opinion/advice) could be the bottle or Webb in different ways :) (maybe he has to share a drink with his buddy and over a game of cards makes it easier to give his opinion)

(Baldy is basically telling him to 'man up' and take control of his life, because his wife is the one usually doing that)

"I'd be king if I was you," repeated Baldy Woods, the royalist. "When a man marries a queen he ought to grade up with her--on the hoof-- dressed--dried--corned--any old way from the chaparral to the packing- house. Lots of folks thinks it's funny, Webb, that you don't have the say-so on the Nopalito. I ain't reflectin' none on Miz Yeager--she's the finest little lady between the Rio Grande and next Christmas--but a man ought to be boss of his own camp."

[Thatch]

Thanks Logos. :thumbs_up
I don't know why but that sentence always rattles my brain. Somehow it's hard for me to grasp, don't know why. But thanks for your reply as it will certainly be helpful. ;)