"Well, then, just tell me when you were drunk last."
"This is a pleasant fatherly greeting!" Robert interjected.
"You get no good by fighting shy of a simple question, Mr. Bob," said
Jonathan.
Robert cried querulously, "I don't want to fight shy of a simple question."
"Well, then; when were you drunk last? answer me that."
"Last night."
Jonathan drew his hand from his pocket to thump his leg.
"I'd have sworn it!"
All Robert's assurance had vanished in a minute, and he stood like a convicted culprit before his father.
"You know, sir, I don't tell lies. I was drunk last night. I couldn't help it."