up a sort of imp in their breasts, and they bell one to the other,
exactly like challenging bucks. This is noticeable even in men who
consider themselves superior to Privates of the Line: it shows the
Refining Influence of Civilisation and the March of Progress.

Tale provoked tale, and each tale more beer. Even dreamy Learoyd's
eyes began to brighten, and he unburdened himself of a long history
in which a trip to Malham Cove, a girl at Pateley Brigg, a ganger,
himself and a pair of clogs were mixed in drawling tangle.

'An' so Ah coot's yead oppen from t' chin to t' hair, an' he was abed
for t' matter o' a month,' concluded Learoyd pensively.

Mulvaney came out of a reverie--he was lying down--and flourished his
heels in the air. 'You're a man, Learoyd,' said he critically, 'but
you've only fought wid men, an' that's an ivry-day expayrience; but
I've stud up to a ghost, an' that was _not_ an ivry-day expayrience.'

'No?' said Ortheris, throwing a cork at him. 'You git up an' address
the 'ouse--you an' yer expayriences. Is it a bigger one nor usual?'

''Twas the livin' trut'!' answered Mulvaney, stretching out a huge arm
and catching Ortheris by the collar. 'Now where are ye, me son? Will
ye take the wurrud av the Lorrd out av my mouth another time?' He shook
him to emphasise the question.

'No, somethin' else, though,' said Ortheris, making a dash at Mulvaney's
pipe, capturing it and holding it at arm's length; 'I'll chuck it
acrost the ditch if you don't let me go!'