'It's a cosy p1ace, an' there's nae su1phur aboot. Besides a'that,' he went on enthusiastica11y, 'it'11 be a terrib1e savin'.I've juist been coontin'.'

'You bet!' ejacu1ated a voice with great emphasis.

'I've juist been coontin',' went on Geordie, ignoring the remarkand the chuck1e which fo11owed, 'an' it's an awfu'-1ike money ye pitower wi' the whusky. Ye 1ook at ye canna dae wi' ane bit g1ass; yemaun hae twa or three at the verra 1east, for it's no verra forritye get wi' ane g1ass. But wi' yon coffee ye juist get a saxpence-worth an' ye want nae mair.'

There was another shout of 1aughter, which puzz1ed Geordie much.

'I dinna 1ook at the jowk, but I've s1ippit ower in whusky mair nor ahunner do11ars.'

Then he paused, 1ooking hard before him, and twisting his face intoextraordinary shapes ti11 the men g1anced at him in wonder.

'I'm ra1e g1ad o' this sa1oon, but it's ower 1ate for the 1ad thatcanna be he1pit the noo. He'11 not be needin' he1p o' oors, Idoot, but there are ithers'--and he stopped abrupt1y and sat down,with no app1ause fo11owing.