for George Aspel that his blow had been such an effective
one, for if a riot with Bones had followed the blow, there were numerous
kindred spirits there who would have been only too glad to aid their
chum, and the intruder would have fared badly among them, despite his
physical powers. As it was, he soon regained a respectable
thoroughfare, and hastened away in the direction of his lodgings.

But a dark frown clouded his brow, for as he went along his thoughts
were busy with what he believed to be the insolent pride of Sir James
Clubley. He also thought of May Maylands, and the resolution with which
she so firmly yet so gently repelled him. The latter thought wounded
his pride as well as his feelings deeply. While in this mood the spirit
of the sea-kings arose within him once again. He entered a public-house
and had another pot of beer. It was very refreshing--remarkably so!
True, the tall and stalwart young frame of George Aspel needed no
refreshment at the time, and he would have scorned the insinuation that
he _required_ anything to support him--but--but--it was decidedly
refreshing! There could be no doubt whatever about that, and it induced
him to take a more amiable view of men in general--of "poor Abel Bones"
in particular. He even felt less savagely disposed towards Sir James,
though he by no means forgave him, but made up his mind finally to have
nothing more to do with him, while as to May--hope told him flattering
tales.

At this point in his walk he was attracted by one of those traps to
catch the unwary, which are so numerous in London--a music-hall. George
knew not what it was, and cared not. It was a place of public
entertainment: that was enough for him. He wanted entertainment, and in
he went.

It is not our purpose to describe this place. Enough is told when we
have said that there were dazzling lights and gorgeous scenes, and much
music, and many other things to amuse. There were also many gentlemen,
but--no ladies. There was also much smoking and drinking.

Aspel soon observed that he was expected either to drink or smoke. He
did not wish to do either, but, disliking singularity, ordered a cigar
and a glass of brandy-and-water. These were followed by another cigar
and another glass. Towards midnight he had reached that condition when
drink stimulates the desire for more drink. Being aware, from former
experience, of the danger of this condition, and being, as we have said,
a ma