The sensation which kindles in large assemblies, when they are relieved from a state of breathless suspense and are again free to speak and move, was yet rife, when the lodger, as usual, summoned the men up stairs.
'Both of you,' he called from the window; for only the actual exhibitor--a little fat man--prepared to obey the summons.

'I want to talk to you.

Come both of you!' Come, Tommy,' said the little man.
I an't a talker,' replied the other.

'Tell him so.

What should I go and talk for ?' 'Don't you see the gentleman's got a bottle and glass up there ?' returned the little man.
'And couldn't you have said so at first ?' retorted the other with sudden alacrity.