"I quite understand that, Mr. O'Ruddy."
So, as I held the candle, I saw the top of his head coming round and round and round, and finally he stood before me stretching out his sword, hilt forward.
"Stick it in its scabbard," said I, "and I'll do the same with mine." Then I put out my hand, "Good morning to your lordship," I said. "It seems to me I've been waiting here forty days and forty nights. Will you have a sup of wine?"
"I would be very much obliged to you for it, Mr. O'Ruddy."
With that I called the nearest guard and bade him let nobody up the stair without my knowing it.
"I suppose, my lord, you are better acquainted with this house than I am; but I know a spot where there's a drop of good drink."
"You have discovered the old gentleman's cellar, then?"
"Indeed, Lord Strepp, I have not. I possess a cellar of my own. It's you that's my guest, and not me that's yours on this occasion."
I poured him out a flagon, and then one for myself, and as we stood by the table I lifted it high and said:
"Here's to our better acquaintance."