The publican hustled the "good men and true" into the bar, like a flock of sheep, and was ready to "lamb" them down.
"Who stands drinks?" he said.
A man who had just finished painting the house, and was going to be paid that day, spoke up, and said, "I will; for I sees from that placard," pointing his thumb at it, "that drinks is to be redooced to-day from a shillin' to sixpence, so we'll wet the occasion."
"Give your commands, gentlemen!" said the publican; "keep the ball a-rollin'."
"Gin for me, some'at stiff, for I can't stand a corp," said one of the men.
"Brandy for me, as I feel a sinkin'," said another.
"Whisky for me; I've a qualm in the stummick."
"Beer, that's good for a buryin'," said the wag.
The publican and his wife handed out the drinks in a surprisingly short time. In some unaccountable way the news that free drinks were about had run round the place with fleet foot, and seventeen thirsty men and women stood up to receive them; then they drank and smacked their lips, for free drinks are sweet to the taste.