human
Why, Slag, he exclaimed on entering the shed,
gpt
I do believe you've been an' put on the blue ribbon!
human
That's just what I've done, Bob, returned the other.
gpt
I thought you'd 'ave noticed it at the boat; but I forgot you could see nothin' but the blue of Nellie's eyes.
human
Of course not. Who'd expect me to see anything else when I'm beside _her_? retorted Bob.
gpt
But what has made you change your mind? I'm sure the last time I tried to get you to hoist the blue-peter ye were obstinate enough--dead against it.
human
True, Bob; but since that time I've seed a dear woman that I was fond of _die_ from drink, an' I've seed Tom Riley, one of our best men, get on the road to ruin through the same; so I've hoisted the blue flag, as ye see.
gpt
That's a good job, Slag, but don't you forget, my lad, that the blue ribbon won't save you. There's but _one_ Saviour of men. Nevertheless, it's well to fight our battles under a flag, an' the blue is a good one--as things go. Show your colours and never say die; that's my motto. As you said, Slag, the glass _is_ uncommon low to-day. I shouldn't wonder if there was dirty weather brewin' up somewhere.
human
that evening was more than