street doors, and ring the bells and leave no card? Won't
I have a shy at a lamp, and then off hot foot to the
hotel? Won't I say, 'Waiter, how dare you do that?'

"'What, Sir?'

"'Tread on my foot.'

"'I didn't, Sir.'

"'You did, Sir. Take that!' knock him down like wink,
and help him up on his feet agin with a kick on his
western eend. Kiss the barmaid, about the quickest and
wickedest she ever heerd tell of, and then off to bed as
sober as a judge. 'Chambermaid, bring a pan of coals and
air my bed.' 'Yes, Sir.' Foller close at her heels, jist
put a hand on each short rib, tickle her till she spills
the red hot coals all over the floor, and begins to cry
over 'em to put 'em out, whip the candle out of her hand,
leave her to her lamentations, and then off to roost in
no time. And when I get there, won't I strike out all
abroad--take up the room of three men with their clothes
on--lay all over and over the bed, and feel once more I
am a free man and a '_Gentleman at large_.'"




CHAPTER VIII.