Sandy (dropping back with bashful embarrassment, and struggling to
release his arm from OAKHURST). No, Jack! Not just yet, Jack; in
a little while, ole boy! in about six months, or mebbe--a year,
Jack! not now, not now! I ain't feelin' exactly well, Jack,--I
ain't.

Oakhurst. Nonsense, Sandy! Consider your duty and my honor.

Sandy (regaining his seat). That's all very well, Jack; but ye
see, pard, you've known the old man for nigh on a year, and it's
twenty-five since I met him. No, Jack; you don't play any ole man
on to me to-night, Jack. No, you and me'll just drop out for a
pasear. Jack, eh? (Taking OAKHURST'S arm.) Come!

Oakhurst. Impossible! Hush! (Listening.) It is HE passing
through the corridor. (Goes to wing R., and listens.)

Sandy (crowding hastily behind OAKHURST in alarm). But, I say,
Jack! he won't come in here? He's goin' to bed, you know. Eh? It
ain't right for a man o' his years--and he must be goin' on ninety,
Jack--to be up like this. It ain't healthy.

Oakhurst. You know him not. He seems to need no rest (sadly).
Night after night, long after the servants are abed, and the house
is still, I hear that step slowly pacing the corridor. It is the
last sound as I close my eyes, the first challenge of the morning.

Sandy. The ol' scound--(checking himself)--I mean, Jack, the ol'
man has suthin' on his mind. But, Jack (in great alarm), he don't
waltz in upon ye, Jack? He don't p'int them feet in yer, Jack? Ye