Without another word the Irishman put his arms around him, and, as if he were a child, lifted him to the ground, across the sidewalk, and into the house.
Ralston followed and closed the door. Outside, the cabby fell asleep again and the horse stood with one hip six inches higher than the other and its head between its legs.
"Hi there, Terry! Sthrip off the gent's clothes!"
Another husky Irishman appeared from somewhere, and the two led Steadman into a sort of dressing room, where they speedily relieved him of his garments. Without a pause McCullough opened a glass door into a tiled passage at the end of which could be seen another door clouded with steam. First, however, he poured a teaspoonful of absinthe into the palm of his hand and held it to Steadman's face. "Snuff it up yer nose!" said he.
Steadman seemed dazed. Like a half-resuscitated man he did as he was told, gagging and coughing.
"Come here now," said Terry.
Steadman walked quietly down the passage.
"Only for a minute," said the bath man.
He opened the door and shoved Steadman in, closing and locking it behind him.
"That's all he needs," commented McCullough.