And now might we depict, with much accuracy, the course of Mr.
Hayes's intoxication, as it rose from the merriment of the
three-bottle point to the madness of the four--from the uproarious
quarrelsomeness of the sixth bottle to the sickly stupidity of the
seventh; but we are desirous of bringing this tale to a conclusion,
and must pretermit all consideration of a subject so curious, so
instructive, and so delightful. Suffice it to say, as a matter of
history, that Mr. Hayes did actually drink seven bottles of
mountain-wine; and that Mr. Thomas Billings went to the "Braund's
Head," in Bond Street, and purchased another, which Hayes likewise
drank.
"That'll do," said Mr. Wood to young Billings; and they led Hayes up
to bed, whither, in truth, he was unable to walk himself.
* * *
Mrs. Springatt, the lodger, came down to ask what the noise was.
"'Tis only Tom Billings making merry with some friends from the
country," answered Mrs. Hayes; whereupon Springatt retired, and the
house was quiet.
* * *
Some scuffling and stamping was heard about eleven o'clock.
* * *
After they had seen Mr.
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