3/6 So he puffed and smoked, and smoked and puffed--gliding gradually into wealth and prosperity. SPONGE AS HE APPEARED IN THE BEST BEDROOM] A second cigar assisted his comprehension considerably--just as a second bottle of wine not only helps men through their difficulties, but shows them the way to unbounded wealth. Many of the bright railway schemes of former days, we make no doubt, were concocted under the inspiring influence of the bottle. Sponge now saw everything as he wished. All the errors of his former days were apparent to him. |