“Excus’h me, but could I ash you a ques’shun?”

“Sure, you could ask me a question,” said the stranger. “Go ahead.”

“The ques’shun,” said the alcoholic one, “ ’s as follows: Have you ever had delirium tremens?”

“Certainly not,” snorted the indignant stranger.

“Well, you big piker!” said the inebriate, “then you ain’t never been nowheres—and you ain’t never seen nothin’.”

§ 2 The Prudent Mr. Finnerty

The lawyer picked his way to the edge of the excavation and called down for Michael Finnerty.

“Who’s wantin’ me?” inquired a deep voice.

“I am,” said the lawyer. “Mr. Finnerty, did you come from Castlebar, County Mayo?”

“I did.”