"Ha, ha, ha! we come to you--ha, ha! capital. We want some brandy and water; and, ha, ha! we know you always keep a stock," said the second, seating himself in an armchair. The first also took a chair, moved his lips for a few seconds, and then sat bolt upright, staring at the two candles; how many he counted I cannot pretend to say. "Really," said Number Three, "we are--I'm afraid--taking a great liberty--a very great liberty; but--an apology is certainly due--if you will allow me to offer an apology for my two friends--will you allow me to introduce them?" "Many thanks, but I have the pleasure of knowing _them_ already." "I really beg your pardon--it was quite unintentional on my part. I trust you are not offended? Will you allow me to introduce myself? I am Captain C--, of the --. Will you permit me to present my card, and to say how happy I shall be to make your acquaintance?" So saying, the third gentleman presented me with his card, and returned the card-case into his pocket. "Capital!" cried Number Two. "Ha, ha, ha! what an excellent joke, ha, ha, ha! Now for the brandy-and-water." This was soon produced, and although Number One had lost all articulation, he had still the power of deglutition; he filled his glass, sat up more erect, stared at the candles, and drank his grog; the other did the same, when Number Three again spoke. "My dear Sir, I hope you will excuse the liberty, but my name is Captain C--, of the --. Will you allow me the honour of presenting my card, and of saying how proud I shall be to make your acquaintance?" So saying, he presented me another card, which I put aside with the first. "Ha, ha, ha! what a good joke, to find you up. I said we should get brandy-and-water here; wasn't that capital?--ha, ha, ha, ha!" I could not exactly see the joke of being kept up for perhaps two more hours, but I begged they would refill their glasses, as the sitting would be sooner ended one way or the other--either by the bottle being empty, or their falling under the table--I did not care which--when I was again addressed by Number Three. "I really beg your pardon, but--I'm afraid I have been very remiss--will you allow me to introduce myself? I am Captain C--, of the --. Here is my card, and I cannot say how happy I shall be if I may have the honour of your acquaintance." I bowed a third time, and received a third card. "By heavens, I've finished my tumbler! Ain't that capital? Ha, ha, ha! famous fun;--and so has Alfred." "Famous fun, indeed," thought I, as the contents of the bottle disappeared. "And Alfred is going to help himself again; well, that is capital, ha, ha, ha!--ha, ha, ha!--ha, ha, ha, ha!" Alfred, who was Number One, moved his lips, but like the frozen horn of Munchausen, sounds would not come out; he did, however, follow up the joke, by refilling his tumbler for the third time.