Frank was of a grateful disposition, and was so much struck with the
considerate kindness of the old gentleman that he ardently exclaimed,
"Sir, I shall be infinitely obliged to you."

"Nay, nay," replied the stranger, "you speak profanely. You cannot be
infinitely obliged to any man."

The party then entered a house in one of the courts of Fleet street
and Frank felt happy in having met with one likely to befriend him.
For though the gentleman was rather pompous in his manners and
somewhat awful in his aspect, yet there was a look of kindness about
him and an expression of humanity and consideration in his
countenance. When the intoxicated gentleman had been seated for a few
minutes, his faculties partially returned and looking, or rather
endeavouring to look upon Atherton, for his eye was not steady enough
to take a good aim, he said: "Young gentleman, I am very highly
obli--obli--obligat--"

"Obligated," roared the old gentleman, "you would say. But you had
better hold your tongue. That is the best use you can make of it."

"Glorious! Capital! Ten thousand thanks for that superb aphorism.
Doctor, you must recollect that for me to-morrow morning, and you must
put it down for me in your best style." He then went on hiccuping and
muttering--"The best use, hic, the best use, hic, I can make of my,
hic, the tongue, hic, hold your tongue, hic, oh doctor hic, I shall
never forget, hic, I hope you will remind me of it, hic, to-morrow
morning."