'Misery' was only one of the nicknames bestowed upon him by the hands: he was also known as 'Nimrod' and 'Pontius Pilate'.
'And even if it's not possible,' Harlow continued, winking at the others, 'what's a man to do during the years he's savin' up ?' 'Well, he must conquer hisself,' said Slyme, getting red.
'Conquer hisself is right!' said Harlow and the others laughed again.
'Of course if a man tried to conquer hisself by his own strength,' replied Slyme, ''e would be sure to fail, but when you've got the Grace of God in you it's different.' 'Chuck it, fer Christ's sake!' said Harlow in a tone of disgust.

'We've only just 'ad our dinner!' 'And wot about drink ?' demanded old Joe Philpot, suddenly.
''Ear, 'ear,' cried Harlow.

'That's the bleedin' talk.

I wouldn't mind 'avin 'arf a pint now, if somebody else will pay for it.' Joe Philpot--or as he was usually called, 'Old Joe'-- was in the habit of indulging freely in the cup that inebriates.

He was not very old, being only a little over fifty, but he looked much older.