amongst other things that he had better say "big prayer," because the
Asiki would probably cut his throat before morning.

Aylward, who was in a state of sullen fury, scarcely replied to this
talk, except to say that if so, there was one comfort, they would cut
his and his master's also.

"Yes, my Lord," answered Jeekie, "that quite true, so drink to next
meeting, though I think you go different place to me, and when you got
tail and I wing, you horn and I crown of glory, of course we not talk
much together," and he held a mug of whisky and water--a great deal of
whisky and a very little water--to his prisoner's mouth.

Aylward drained it, feeling a need for stimulant.

"There," said Jeekie, holding it upside down, "you drink every drop and
not offer one to poor old Jeekie. Well, he turned teetotaller, so no
matter. Good-night, my Lord, I call you if Asiki come."

"Who are the Asiki?" asked Aylward drowsily.

"Oh! you want to know? I tell you," and he began a long, rambling story.

Before he ever came to the end of it Aylward had fallen on his side and
was fast asleep.

"Dear me!" said Jeekie, contemplating him, "that whisky very strong,
though bottle say same as they drink in House of Common. That whisky
so strong I think I pour away rest of it," and he did to the last drop,
even taking the trouble to wash out the bottle with water. "Now you no