The fact was, that now, for the first time, Todd found that the architecture of his old place of residence was far from being of the most convenient order; inasmuch as you could not reach the staircase leading to the upper part of the residence, without going through the parlour; so that he was a prisoner in the shop.
"I tell you what it is, Bill," said one of the men, assuming quite a philosophical look. "That fellow, Todd, as used to live here, after all, was some use to society."
"Was he?"
"Yes, to be sure. Can't you guess?"
"Not I. I can't see what use a fellow can be to society who cuts folks' throats."
"Can't you?"
"No, nor you neither, if you come to that."
"Yes I can. Don't it make folks careful of going into a strange barber's shop, let me ask you that?"
"Oh, you idiot. That's always the way with you. You begins with looking as wise as an owl as has found out something wonderful, and then when one comes to find out what it is, it's just nothing at all to nobody. I tell you what it is, old fellow, it strikes me you are getting a drop too much."
"No—no; but I have got something on my mind."