“Because I see it in your bronzed face, and, excuse me, somewhat threadbare garments.”
“Oh! as to that, old man, I’ve got tin enough to buy a noo rig out, but I’m in no hurry.”
He glanced unintentionally at his bag as he spoke, and the seedy man glanced at it too—intentionally. Of course Stumps’s glance let the cat out of the bag!
“Come,” said the stranger, when the brandy was put before them, “drink—drink to—to the girls we left behind us.”
“I left no girl behind me,” said Stumps.
“Well then,” cried the seedy man, with irresistible good humour, “let us drink success to absent friends and confusion to our foes.”
This seemed to meet the youth’s views, for, without a word of comment, he drained his glass nearly to the bottom.
“Ha! that’s good. Nothin’ like brandy and water on a hot day.”
“Except brandy and water on a cold day, my dear,” returned the Jew—for such he was; “there is not much to choose between them. Had you not better take off your bag? it incommodes you in so narrow a seat. Let me help—No?”
“You let alone my hag,” growled Stumps angrily, with a sudden clutch at it.