"The fact is, my dear _Greenhorn_," said my friend, impressively, as he flourished his hand after the manner of some aged, experienced and eloquent orator, "the fact is, the _use_ of liquor, and its _abuse_, are two very different things. A man (here he drew himself up) can drink like a gentleman, or he can swill like a loafer, or a beast. Now _I_ prefer the gentlemanly portion of the argument, and therefore we'll go up and take a gentlemanly drink. I shall be happy, young man, to initiate you into the divine joys and mysteries of Bacchus--ahem!" I looked at my friend with increased wonder, for he displayed an assurance, a self-possession, an elegant _nonchalance_, that were far beyond his years, for he was only about twelve years old--my own age exactly. And then what language he used--so refined, glowing, and indicative of a knowledge of the world! I longed to be like him--to equal him in his many perfections--to sport as much money as he did, and to wear as good "_harness_." I forgot to mention that he carried a splendid gold watch, and that several glittering rings adorned his fingers. "Who can he be?" was the question which I asked myself; and of course, I could not find an answer. "Felix," said my friend, addressing the bar-keeper in a style of patronizing condescension, as we approached the bar, "Felix, my good fellow, just mix us a couple of brandy cocktails, will you, and make them _strong_, d'ye hear, for the night is wet, and I and my verdant friend here, are about to travel in search of amusement, even as the Caliph and his Vizier used to perambulate the streets of Baghdad. Come, hurry up!" The bar-keeper grinned, mixed the liquor, and handed us the tumblers. My friend knocked his glass against mine, and remarked "here's luck," a ceremony and an observation which both somewhat surprised me at the time, although I have long since become thoroughly acquainted with what was then a mystery. Many of my readers--indeed, I may say the greater portion of them--will require no explanation of this matter; and as for those who are in ignorance of it, I will simply say, long may they keep so!