“At this word I thought I heard a gurgling sound in the water.
“ ‘If I can get six solemn pledges before the season’s over, I’m only to go these horrid rounds during the meeting of Parliament.’
“ ‘Will you swear?’ again urged the voice, with persuasive agony.
“I was just able to comply.
“ ‘Ten thousand thanks!’ were the next words I heard; ‘I’m off, for there is an awful pint of pale ale, a chop, and a glass of brandy and water overdue yet, and I must devour them at the Shades.’ (We were then close to London Bridge.) ‘Don’t let the waterman pull to shore; I can get there without troubling him.’
“I remember no more. When sensation returned, I was in bed, in this very house, a shade worse than I had been from the previous attack.”
“That,” said Philip, who had left his tumbler untasted, “must have been when you had your head shaved for the second time.”
“And you really believe it was Jovial James’ ghost,” inquired Fid, earnestly.
“Would it be rational to doubt it?”