"'An't he just green?—Down with the stumpy—a tizzy for a pot of half-and-half.'
"'I never drink beer.'
"'Then never do,' whispered the man at my side; 'as sure as hell's hell, it's your only chance.'
"There was a fierce, deep earnestness in the tone, which made me look up at the speaker, but the other instantly chimed in.
"'Oh, yer don't, don't yer, my young Father Mathy! then yer'll soon learn it here if yer want to keep your victuals down.'
"'And I have promised to take my wages home to my mother.'
"'Oh criminy! hark to that, my coves! here's a chap as is going to take the blunt home to his mammy.'
"'Ta'nt much of it the old un'll see,' said another. 'Ven yer pockets it at the Cock and Bottle, my kiddy, yer won't find much of it left o' Sunday mornings.'
"'Don't his mother know he's out?' asked another; 'and won't she know it—