"Mr. John Rogers—Mr. William Blake."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Blake. Put it here."
The pair shook hands.
The barman pushed two glasses forward—one, containing gin, towards Rogers, and the other, lime-juice, for Blake. He took something out a bottle under the counter for himself, gave Rogers a small tonic, and split a small soda with William.
"Here's fun," said Rogers.
"Chin, chin," said Jimmy the barman.
The boy nodded gravely at each. They drank.
"Come on, let's have another," said Rogers. "Same as before for me, but not quite so much of your bloomin' tonic, Jimmy. Spoils the gin."
No sooner were the drinks poured out than the barman hurried away to attend to the calls at the other end of the counter, so the two were left to themselves.
"What are you drinkin', might I ask?"