"Mr.Wilks is old.

Why should 'e mind being told of it?
If 'e had 'ad the trouble I've 'ad 'e'd be glad to go.

But he'll 'ave to go, whether 'e likes it or not.

It might be to-night.

Who can tell ?" Mr.Wilks, unasked, poured himself out another glass of ale, and drank it off with the air of a man who intended to make sure of that.