“That’s good,” cried Peter, taking and refilling it. “It does me good to see you, sir. Oh, you are coming on fine. Slep’ all night, didn’t you?” he continued, as he steadied the cup.
“I suppose so, Pete,” said Archie, with a sigh. “I don’t remember any thing.”
“That’s a good sign, sir. Now then, have another, or will you try a little soaked bread first?”
“No,” said Archie decisively. “You drink that.”
“No, no, sir; after you have done.”
“’Tention! Drink first,” said Archie, speaking more firmly.
“Oh, if you give commands, sir,” said Peter, “I must do it;” and he drained the little vessel, with almost as much avidity as his patient, “Fine tap, ain’t it, sir?” he continued, as he drew breath.
“Yes. Now give me another cup and a piece of bread, so that I can break it and soak it.”
“Hooray! You are getting hungry, sir;” and the lad broke off some of the bread from the big cake that was left, handed a piece to his subaltern, and watched him with intense satisfaction as with trembling fingers he held a wedge in the cup, keeping it there till it was thoroughly soaked.
“Now then, you do the same,” said Archie.