“Bring me a quart of it,” said the boarding-master, slowly and impressively. “I want it drawed in a china mug, with a nice foaming 'ead on it.”
“Wot do you want it for?” inquired Mr. Wilks, eyeing him very closely.
“Bisness purposes,” said Mr. Smith. “If you're very good you shall see 'ow I do it.”
Still the steward made no move. “I thought you brought the stuff with you,” he remarked.
Mr. Smith looked at him with mild reproach. “Are you managing this affair or am I?” he inquired.
The steward went out reluctantly, and drawing a quart mug of beer set it down on the table and stood watching his visitor.
“And now I want a spoonful o' sugar, a spoonful o' salt, and a spoonful o' vinegar,” said Mr. Smith. “Make haste afore the 'ead goes off of it.”
Mr. Wilks withdrew grumbling, and came back in a wonderfully short space of time considering, with the articles required.
“Thankee,” said the other; “you 'ave been quick. I wish I could move as quick as you do. But you can take 'em back now, I find I can do without 'em.”
“Where's the beer?” demanded the incensed Mr. Wilks; “where's the beer, you underhanded swab?”