Mrs. Edwin Edwards wrote us that when three men were in possession, he treated them while his friends carted away his pictures out of the back door. Others say that the bailiffs, multiplied to seven, were invited into the garden, and given beer with a little something in it. No sooner had they tasted than down went their heads on the table round which they sat. People dining with Whistler that evening were taken into the garden to see the seven sleepers of Ephesus: "Stick pins in them, shout in their ears—see—you can't wake them!" All evening it rained and it rained, and it thundered, and it lightened, and it hailed. All night they slept. Morning came and they slept. But at the hour when he had given them their glass the day before, they all woke up and asked for more.
One of the bailiffs at the end of a week, demanded his money. Whistler said:
"If I could afford to keep you I would do without you."
"But what is to become of my wife and family if I don't get my wages, sir?"
"Ha ha! You must ask those who sent you here to answer that question."
"Really, Mr. Whistler, sir, I need the money."
"Oh ho! Have a man in yourself."
Whistler said "it was kind of them to see to such tedious affairs." One he asked: "And how long will you be 'the man in possession?'"
"That, Mr. Whistler, sir, depends on your paying Mr. ——'s bill.
"Awkward for me, but perhaps more for you! I hope you won't mind it, though, you know, I fear your stay with me will be a lengthy one. However, you will find it not entirely unprofitable, for you will see and hear much that may be useful to you."