“Indeed not,” I said. “They will have their own way whether I write their history or any one else.”
“That Sergeant Goodtale will have every one of them, my dear; you mark my words. He’s the most artful man I ever heard of.”
Of course I could offer no contradiction to this statement as I was not in the secrets of the future. How the matter will work out depends upon a variety of circumstances over which I have not the least control. For instance, if Bill were to take the shilling, I believe Dick would follow: and if the Sergeant were to sing a good song he might catch the rest. But who can tell?
CHAPTER XXI.
Joe electrifies the company and surprises the reader.
“Suppose we have another song,” said Sergeant Goodtale.
“And spoase we has some moore o’ that there stuff,” answered Joe.
“Aye,” said Harry, “we will too. I’ll spend my shilling like a man.”
Saying which he rang the bell and ordered a glass for himself and one for Joe.
“Now, then,” said the latter, “I can’t sing, but I’ll gie thee summut as I larned.”