"He'll know me better in time," said Mr. Billing. "Why, I wouldn't hurt
a fly. I want to do good to people; not to hurt 'em. I'll have a pint,"
he added, turning to the bar.
"Not here you won't," said the landlord, eyeing him coldly.
"Why not?" demanded the astonished Mr. Billing.
"You've had all you ought to have already," was the reply. "And there's
one thing I'll swear to--you ain't had it 'ere."
"I haven't 'ad a drop pass my lips began the outraged Mr. Billing.
"Yes, I know," said the other, wearily, as he shifted one or two glasses
and wiped the counter; "I've heard it all before, over and over again.
Mind you, I've been in this business thirty years, and if I don't know
when a man's had his whack, and a drop more, nobody does. You get off
'ome and ask your missis to make you a nice cup o' good strong tea, and
then get up to bed and sleep it off."
"I dare say," said Mr. Billing, with cold dignity, as he paused at the
door--"I dare say I may give up beer altogether."
He stood outside pondering over the unforeseen difficulties attendant
upon his new career, moving a few inches to one side as Mr.
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