“Nonsense! wine is fit for children. Brandy for men like us!”

“Well, then, brandy; but it burns, and sets the head on fire, and then we see all the flames of hell!”

“That’s how I like to see you, hang it!”

“But when you told me that I was too much attached to my mistress, and that I should want energy when the occasion required, of what occasion did you speak?”

“Let us drink!”

“Stop a moment, comrade. I am no more of a fool than others. Your half words have taught me something.

“Well, what?”

“You know that I have been a workman, that I have many companions, and that, being a good fellow, I am much liked amongst them. You want me for a catspaw, to catch other chestnuts?”

“What then?”

“You must be some getter-up of riots—some speculator in revolts.”