The latter request did not tend to reassure his hearers, or to fill them with the most comfortable sensations; they complied with it, however, with the greatest expedition; and having handed him a bumper of brandy-and-water, nearly boiling hot, waited to hear what he might have to tell them.
'Oh, Johnny,' said Solomon, shaking him by the hand.

'Oh, Parkes.

Oh, Tommy Cobb.

Why did I leave this house to-night! On the nineteenth of March--of all nights in the year, on the nineteenth of March!' They all drew closer to the fire.

Parkes, who was nearest to the door, started and looked over his shoulder.