"To get drunk with, eh?"
"No, sir; I don't drink, sir; I've given it up," cries Muzzy, with no consciousness that everything about him gives the lie to his words. "I've taken the pledge a dozen times--a dozen times, sir, and I'll take it again if you want me to."
Mr. Sheldrake laughs; but something in the old man's earnest imploring manner makes him suddenly serious, and he gazes attentively at the shaking form before him.
"Listen to me, old man," he says impressively.
Muzzy leans forward to denote obedience.
"Look at me."
But Muzzy finds it impossible to comply with this demand. He raises his eyes a dozen times, but he cannot control them. Invariably they seek the ground.
"I see you, sir," he murmurs apologetically.
"Do you think it possible that you could look respectable if you had a respectable task to perform?"
"Yes, sir, I think so; I am sure so, sir; but I should want better clothes than these," in apology for his rags.