"'It's good, isn't it?' asked the rich man.
"'Delicious!' and the old man smacked his lips.
"'It warms the pit of your stomach nicely?'
"'It even burns it.'
"'It's rare stuff, I can tell you; will you have some more?'
"'It's of your own brewing, one can see; I'll have some more.'
"The miser once more dipped the ladle in the hot water and offered it again to the beggar, who quaffed the contents unflinchingly.
"'You see, bad tongues say I'm a miser, but it's all slander; for when I like a fellow, I'd give him the shirt off my back, and I like you, Old Nor. Will you have another ladleful?'
"'Willingly,' and the ninny's eyes flashed.
"Thereupon he again swallowed up the scalding water, but not a muscle of his face twitched.