There was no help for it. It was too late to go back. Down I lay, and spread the rug over me. I should have mentioned that I brought in with me a cotton handkerchief, and this I tied round my head by way of a nightcap; but not daring to pull the rug as high as my face. Before I could in any way settle my mind to reflection, in came Daddy once more to do me a further kindness, and point out a stupid blunder I had committed.
'Why, you are a rummy chap!' said Daddy. 'You forgot your bread! Lay hold. And look here, I've brought you another rug; it's perishing cold to-night.'
So saying, he spread the rug over my legs and went away. I was very thankful for the extra covering, but I was in a dilemma about the bread. I couldn't possibly eat it; what then was to be done with it? I broke it, however, and in view of such of the company as might happen to be looking made a ferocious bite at a bit as large as a bean, and munched violently.
By good luck, however, I presently got half-way over my difficulty very neatly. Just behind me, so close indeed that their feet came within half a yard of my head, three lads were sleeping together.
'Did you ear that, Punch?' one of them asked.
'Ear what?' answered Punch, sleepy and snappish.
'Why, a cove forgot his toke! Gordstruth! you wouldn't ketch me a forgettin mine.'
'You may have half of it, old pal, if you're hungry.' I observed, leaning up on my elbows.
'Chuck it here, good luck to yer!' replied my young friend, starting up with an eager clap of his dirty hands.
I 'chucked it here', and, slipping the other half under the side of my bed, lay my head on my folded arms.