BRANDY AND BACCY 



up my glass for replenishment, accompanied by 

 a request for another " screw " of tobacco I 

 was a reader of Dickens, whence I gathered this 

 was the correct term. I hoped, however, that I 

 should not be expected to keep on at this for 

 long. When all were supplied, the discussion, a 

 spirited one, took place, and the reader having 

 replied, the proceedings terminated, much to my 

 relief, and I wended my way homewards, particu- 

 larly pleased with myself. Incredible though it 

 may appear, I was as sober as a judge, and free 

 from any of the inconvenience usually resulting 

 from " lighting up " too early. Had it been 

 otherwise, I am sure my memory would not have 

 served me as well as it has in recalling the events 

 of that afternoon. I can only suppose that, in 

 my desire to fulfil adequately what was expected 

 of me, my nerves were in a state of extreme 

 tension strung up to concert pitch, in fact 

 and so overcame any ordinary physical 

 disability. 



My father, on his return, examined me as to 

 my proceedings at the meeting, a truthful account 

 of which I gave him. When I imparted to him 

 my crowning and successful effort to adapt myself 

 to the manners and customs of the company in 

 which I found myself, he was utterly flabbergasted. 

 Being asked what I meant by such goings-on, I 

 found I had to be on the defensive. But " fortune 

 favours the brave," and a happy thought came to 

 the rescue, which found expression in, " Why, 

 father, didn't you tell me I was to do just what 

 I thought you would do and I did it ! '' My 

 father, apparently having no suitable answer to 



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