Amongst other excursions, I went several times to the public-house, to
which I introduced the reader in a former chapter. I had experienced
such beneficial effects from the ale I had drunk on that occasion, that I
had wished to put its virtue to a frequent test; nor did the ale on
subsequent trials belie the good opinion which I had at first formed of
it. After each visit which I made to the public-house, I found my frame
stronger and my mind more cheerful than they had previously been. The
landlord appeared at all times glad to see me, and insisted that I should
sit within the bar, where, leaving his other guests to be attended to by
a niece of his who officiated as his housekeeper, he would sit beside me
and talk of matters concerning "the ring," indulging himself with a cigar
and a glass of sherry, which he told me was his favourite wine, whilst I
drank my ale. "I loves the conversation of all you coves of the ring,"
said he once, "which is natural, seeing as how I have fought in a ring
myself. Ah, there is nothing like the ring; I wish I was not rather too
old to go again into it. I often think I should like to have another
rally--one more rally, and then--But there's a time for all things--youth
will be served, every dog has his day, and mine has been a fine one--let
me be content. After beating Tom of Hopton, there was not much more to
be done in the way of reputation; I have long sat in my bar the wonder
and glory of this here neighbourhood. I'm content, as far as reputation
goes; I only wish money would come in a little faster; however, the next
main of cocks will bring me in something handsome--comes off next
Wednesday at --- have ventured ten five-pound notes--shouldn't say
ventured either--run no risk at all, because why? I knows my birds."
About ten days after this harangue, I called again, at about three
o'clock one afternoon. The landlord was seated on a bench by a table in
the common room, which was entirely empty; he was neither smoking nor
drinking, but sat with his arms folded, and his head hanging down over
his breast. At the sound of my step he looked up. "Ah," said he, "I am
glad you are come: I was just thinking about you." "Thank you," said I;
"it was very kind of you, especially at a time like this, when your mind
must be full of your good fortune. Allow me to congratulate you on the
sums of money you won by the main of cocks at ---. I hope you brought it
all safe home." "Safe ho