myself in a stinking little box, which was lit by a guttering dip. Some
clothes hung on a line, and these offended more senses than one. No
breath of pure air seemed to have blown through that gruesome dwelling
for many a day, but I am seasoned, and nothing puts me out much.

"Ain't got another seat, mate. Take the bed."

The bed was not suggestive of sleep, and I was a trifle uneasy as I sat
down; yet I knew it would never do to hesitate, so down I sat.

"Wot's this about givin' Teddy the beer?"

I made answer.

"Ain't got no more 'n two bloomin' dee, but you can have 'em, and thank
ye for your trouble."

"I have money enough, thanks. A pint isn't much."

"Oh, now I knows you. A bloke was a-tellin' me they had a broken-down
toff round at The Chequers, and some on 'em says you ain't no more
broken down 'n the Lord Mayor. Allus got enough for a 'eavy booze.
Anyway, you talks like a toff. I used to git round to the bar, but it
don't run to it now. Two kids; and Teddy's clothes there ain't not so
easy to buy now. Missus is out charin'. She'll fetch us a bit o' supper,
and I makes out middlin' well along o' my pint and bit o' bacca. How's
things, mate?"

I said that things were flourishing fairly.