"I have some thoughts of joining the Total Abstinence," said
Devilsdust; "ever since I read Stephen Morley's address it has
been in my mind. We shall never get our rights till we leave
off consuming exciseable articles; and the best thing to begin
with is liquors."
"Well, I could do without liquors myself," said Caroline. "If
I was a lady, I would never drink anything except fresh milk
from the cow."
"Tea for my money," said Harriet; "I must say there's nothing
I grudge for good tea. Now I keep house, I mean always to
drink the best."
"Well, you have not yet taken the pledge, Dusty," said Mick:
"and so suppose we order a go of gin and talk this matter of
temperance over."
Devilsdust was manageable in little things, especially by
Mick; he acceded, and seated himself at their table.
"I suppose you have heard this last dodge of Shuffle and
Screw, Dusty," said Mick.
"What's that?"
"Every man had his key given him this evening--half-a-crown a
week round deducted from wages for rent. Jim Plastow told
them he lodged with his father and didn't want a house; upon
which they said he must let it."
"Their day will come," said Devilsdust, thoughtfully. "I
really think that those Shuffle and Screws are worse even than
Truck and Trett.
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