"Only three half crowns," said the other; "that is the extent of the common purse to-night."
"And I," said the third, "I have got a bottle of bad gin from the Cat and Cabbage-stump."
"How did you manage it?"
"Why, this way. I went in, and had some beer, and you know I can give a long yarn when I want; but it wants only a little care to deceive these knowing countrymen, so I talked and talked, until they got quite chatty, and then I put the gin in my pocket."
"Good."
"Well, then, the loaf and beef I took out of the safe as I came by, and I dare say they know they have lost it by this time."
"Yes, and so do we. I expect the gin will help to digest the beef, so we mustn't complain of the goods."
"No; give us another glass, Jim."
Jim held the glass towards him, when the doctor, animated by the spirit of mischief, took a good sized pebble, and threw it into the glass, smashing it, and spilling the contents.
In a moment there was a change of scene; the men were all terrified, and started to their feet, while a sudden gust of wind caused their light to go out; at the same time their tent-cloth was thrown down by the wind, and fell across their heads.