"No more could the little boy."
"I was drunk last night. Say, I'm a beast."
"I shan't!" exclaimed Jonathan, making his voice sound as a defence to this vile charge against the brutish character.
"Say, I'm worse than a beast, then," cried Robert, in exasperation. "Take my word that it hasn't happened to me to be in that state for a year and more. Last night I was mad. I can't give you any reasons. I thought I was cured but I've trouble in my mind, and a tide swims you over the shallows—so I felt. Come, sir—father, don't make me mad again."
"Where did you get the liquor?" inquired Jonathan.
"I drank at 'The Pilot.'"
"Ha! there's talk there of 'that damned old Eccles' for a month to come— 'the unnatural parent.' How long have you been down here?"
"Eight and twenty hours."
"Eight and twenty hours. When are you going?"
"I want lodging for a night."