"I don't know, sir."
"You don't know? Who the devil supposed you did know? Answer me that, you imp! Well, well, Charley, you and I won't quarrel about such matters. Come, my boy, I want you to be of use to me to-night."
"To-night, sir?"
"Yes, to-night. Is it broad daylight? Is the sun shining? Is there no such thing as night, under cover of which black deeds are done? Curse you! why do you ask if to-night is the time for action?"
"I will do your bidding, sir."
"Yes; and—Ah! who is this?"
"Is this here keg of turpentine for you?" said a man, with it upon his shoulder. "Mr. Todd's this is, ain't it?"
"Yes—yes. Put it down, my good fellow. You ought to have something to drink."
"Thank you kindly, sir."
"But you must pay for it yourself. There is a public-house opposite."