That is all."
We drank, and then the Gentleman said, "You come here a good deal too
much. Your hand was not quite right yesterday morning. Usually you keep
right, and I really don't know how far you are touched. If I had your
youth and your appearance, I think I should save myself in time by a
bold step. Join the temperance people and work publicly; then you are
committed, and you can't step back."
"But you don't think that I am likely to go to the dogs? I loaf around
here because I have no ambition, and my life was settled for me; but I
have command over myself."
"You _had_ command over yourself, you mean. I think you are in great
danger--very great indeed. My good friend, there are _no_ exceptions.
Meet me to-night, or say to-morrow, as I am to be drunk to-night; go to
the beer-house at the end of my street, and I'll show you something."
Just then the Ramper came up and hailed the Gentleman. "Here you old
swine! Are you sober enough to scratch off a letter?"
"I'm all right."
"Well, then, write to the usual, and tell him to put me on half-a-quid
Sunshine, and half-a-quid Dartmoor a shop--s.
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