To this suggestion the steward deigned no reply, and
turning to the landlord bade him replenish his mug.
"You've 'ad enough, Mr. Wilks," said that gentleman, who had been
watching him for some time.
Mr. Wilks, gazing at him mistily, did not at first understand the full
purport of this remark; but when he did, his wrath was so majestic and
his remarks about the quality of the brew so libellous that the landlord
lost all patience.
"You get off home," he said, sharply.
"Listen t' me," said Mr. Wilks, impressively.
"I don't want no words with you," said the land-lord. "You get off home
while you can."
"That's right, Sam," said one of the company, putting his hand on the
steward's arm. "You take his advice."
Mr. Wilks shook the hand off and eyed his adviser ferociously. Then he
took a glass from the counter and smashed it on the floor. The next
moment the bar was in a ferment, and the landlord, gripping Mr. Wilks
round the middle, skilfully piloted him to the door and thrust him into
the road.
[Illustration: "He took a glass from the counter and smashed it on the
floor."]
The strong air blowing from the sea disordered the steward's faculties
still further.
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