Page:Sylvester Sound the Somnambulist (1844).djvu/439

"Carry it about with him!"

"I always have said, and I always will say, that it's foolish of any man to do it. I do hope to goodness that you'll never do so."

"You don't understand. He wasn't robbed on the road, but in a court of law."

"Oh, in a court of law. That's a different thing altogether. But how was it? Tell me; do tell me."

"I can't do so to-night, old girl; but if you'll now let me have my thoughts to myself, I'll promise to tell you all about in the morning."

"Well, I'm not all curious—but I should dearly like to know. I only hope that while walking in his sleep, the poor young gentleman won't do none of us no mischief."

"Mischief! Leave that to me. I'll take care of that. What am I to sleep in his room for?"

"Well, I only hope he won't. But come, come—eat some supper. I saved it for you."

Judkins turned round, and although deep in thought, tried, and did eat a little, and just as he had finished, Mary came into the kitchen, and said—

"Missus is in bed and the parson's gone, and Mr. Sylvester wants you, Judkins, in the parlour."

Judkins rose on the instant, and attended the summons; and, on entering the parlour, was greeted with a smile.

"Well, Judkins," said Sylvester; "ready for bed?"

"When you please, sir: I'm quite at your service."

"Well, then, mix yourself some brandy-and-water, and then we'll be off."

"Thank you, sir; perhaps you'll be so kind as to mix a little for me."

"Very well. Take a seat, Judkins."

Judkins bowed, and closed the door, and then seated himself upon the edge of the chair near it.

"Draw up to the table, man; don't sit out there!"

Judkins did so; but didn't feel himself at all at home.

"Now, then," said Sylvester; "just try that."

"Thank you, sir. Your health, sir."

"Is it as you like it?"

"Quite, sir: capital: particular good, sir: very."

"Health to you, Judkins. I hope we shall both have a good night's rest."

"I hope so, too," returned Judkins, who then began to feel a little better. "Here's the paper, sir," he added; drawing it carefully from his breast. "I'm much obleeged to you, sir, very."

"Have you read it?"

"Right through, sir. It's stunning! I know it has stunned me wholly! Why, that man, sir—that Mr.—What's his name—Phillpots—must be a regelar nateral born fool! He ought to have seen how it ⟨looked⟩ with half an eye!"

⟨"⟩He doubtless did see how it was."