The interest of the impending pursuit not only absorbed the general attention, but even made my sister liberal. She drew a pitcher of beer from the cask for the soldiers, and invited the sergeant to take a glass of brandy. But Mr. Pumblechook said, sharply, "Give him wine, Mum. I'll engage there's no Tar in that:" so, the sergeant thanked him and said that as he preferred his drink without tar, he would take wine, if it was equally convenient. When it was given him, he drank his Majesty's health and compliments of the season, and took it all at a mouthful and smacked his lips.

     "Good stuff, eh, sergeant?" said Mr. Pumblechook.

     "I'll tell you something," returned the sergeant; "I suspect that stuff's of your providing."

     Mr. Pumblechook, with a fat sort of laugh, said, "Ay, ay? Why?"

     "Because," returned the sergeant, clapping him on the shoulder, "you're a man that knows what's what."

     "D'ye think so?" said Mr. Pumblechook, with his former laugh. "Have another glass!"