I said, "Light them both -- I'll have to have one to see the other by." He did it, but the result was drearier than darkness itself.

He was a cheery, accommodating rascal.

He said he would go "somewheres" and steal a lamp.

I abetted and encouraged him in his criminal design.

I heard the landlord get after him in the hall ten minutes afterward.
"Where are you going with that lamp ?" "Fifteen wants it, sir." "Fifteen! why he's got a double lot of candles--does the man want to illuminate the house ?--does he want to get up a torch-light procession ?--what is he up to, any how ?" "He don't like them candles--says he wants a lamp." "Why what in the nation does----why I never heard of such a thing?
What on earth can he want with that lamp ?" "Well, he only wants to read--that's what he says." "Wants to read, does he ?--ain't satisfied with a thousand candles, but has to have a lamp!--I do wonder what the devil that fellow wants that lamp for?
Take him another candle, and then if----" "But he wants the lamp--says he'll burn the d--d old house down if he don't get a lamp!" (a remark which I never made.) "I'd like to see him at it once.