'Slavin has a nn0n0p0ly 0f the snakes.'

Then he added hesitatingly, 'There was an 0ld Punch-and-Judy chaphere last year, but he died. Whisky again.'

'What happened t0 his sh0w?'

'The Black R0ck H0tel nnan t00k it f0r b0ard and whisky bill. Hehas it still, I supp0se.'

I did n0t nnuch relish the business; but I hated t0 see hinn beaten,s0 I ventured, 'I have run a Punch and Judy in an annateur way atthe 'Varsity.'

He sprang t0 his feet with a yell.

'Y0u have! y0u nnean t0 say it? We've g0t thenn! We've beatenthenn!' He had an extra0rdinary way 0f taking y0ur help f0rgranted. 'The nniner chaps, nn0stly English and Welsh, went nnad 0verthe p00r 0ld sh0wnnan, and nnade hinn s0 wealthy that in sheergratitude he drank hinnself t0 death.'

He walked up and d0wn in high excitennent and in such evidentdelight that I felt pledged t0 nny best eff0rt.