"Light will come in good time, my boy. Only be patient and humble," and Captain Tom turned away.
"One word more before you go," Rufus said, eagerly.
"Yes, sonny, a dozen if you like."
"I referred just now to my damaged reputation."
"You did. But you'll be able to live that down."
"That is not the point exactly. I was cruelly slandered in that matter. I was never drunk in my life, never, in the smallest degree, the worse for drink; and it would be a comfort to me if you could accept my word of honour on that point."
"Then it was not a momentary weakness—a sudden lapse as it were?"
"It was not. I have never tasted a drop of intoxicants since my leg was broken, and then it was given to me as a medicine by the doctor."
"But why should three men swear you were drunk?"
"One to damage my character. The other two were bribed."