The potent fluid softened him somewhat, and a half-formed intention to keep the news from Mr.Kybird melted away beneath its benign influence.
"After all, we've been pals for pretty near thirty years," said Mr.Smith to himself.
He took another draught.

"Thirty years is a long time," he mused.
He finished the glass.

"And if 'e don't give me something out of it I'll do 'im as much 'arm as I can," he continued; and, buttoning up his coat, he rose and set out in the direction of the High Street.
The rain had ceased and the sun was making faint efforts to break through watery clouds.

Things seemed brighter, and Mr.Smith's heart beat in response.

He was going to play the part of a benefactor to Mr.Kybird; to offer him access, at any rate, to such wealth as he had never dreamed of.