"'Ah,' said I, 'that is extremely just and proper. But, alas! I am like my melancholy little friend who was "very gentil, but whose hair came a leetle through the top of his hat,"—I have no bed to go to.'
"'It's very provoking,' said the landlady, 'so tired as you are, too.'
"'It is, indeed,' replied I—seeing a proposition of some sort or other on the tip of her tongue.
"'Now,' said she, looking remarkably serious, 'can I trust you—will you promise me, if I give you a bed, to do as I bid you, Mr. Daly?'
"'Your commands,' said I, 'shall be obeyed to the letter—only let me rest myself quietly and comfortably—it is all I ask—for never was poor devil so tired in his life as I.'
"'Take a drop more punch, Mr. Daly,' said my landlady, 'it will make you sleep the sounder.'
"'No fear of that,' said I; 'but what do you propose?'
"'Why,' said mine hostess, 'I have one bed unoccupied.'
"'Why didn't you say so before?' cried I.
"'I'll tell you why,' said my fair friend; 'it's a double-bedded room, and the other bed is occupied by a——'