“I never drank a glass of whiskey in my life, sir,” added Somers.
The general jumped off his camp-stool with a sudden jerk, and stared at our lieutenant in silence for an instant.
“Give me your hand,” said he.
Somers extended his hand.
“Yes! you are flesh and blood. You are the first man I ever saw that never drank a glass of whiskey. You drink brandy, don’t you?”
“No, sir! I never drank a glass of liquor or wine of any kind in my life.”
“Give me your hand,” said the general again.
“Flesh and blood! You are the first man I ever saw that never drank a glass of liquor or wine of any kind. ’Tis a bad practice,” he added with an oath.
“I think so, sir,” replied Somers with due deference.
“Young man!”