Drink is friendship and good company and big thoughts while it lasts; and it's lonely without it, if you've been used to it.
Ay, but Kimber's way is best.

Get an idee in your noddle, to do a thing that's more to you than work or food or bed, and 'twill be more than drink, too." He nodded to himself, then began weaving the strips of cane furiously.
Presently he stopped again, and threw his head back with a chuckle.
"Now, wouldn't it be a joke, a reg'lar first-class joke, if Kimber and me both had the same idee, if we was both workin' for the same thing--an' didn't know it?
I reckon it might be so." "What end is thee working for, friend?
If the public prints speak true, Kimber is working to stand for Parliament against Lord Eglington." Soolsby grunted and laughed in his throat.

"Now, is that the game of Mister Kimber?
Against my Lord Eglington! Hey, but that's a joke, my lord!" "And what is thee working for, Soolsby ?" "What do I be working for?
To get the Egyptian back to England--what else ?" "That is no joke." "Ay, but 'tis a joke." The old man chuckled.

"'Tis the best joke in the boilin'." He shook his head and moved his body backwards and forwards with glee.

"Me and Kimber! Me and Kimber!" he roared, "and neither of us drunk for a year--not drunk for a whole year.