The drink almost always consisted of spirits of the worst description.

It seemed to be recognised by the men that work and drink must be kept separate.

But Mick's mind travelled away on this occasion from the little tent to the delights of Ridley's bar.

'We haven't had a drop of drink yet,' he said.
'We'll push through the month without it;--eh, old boy ?' said Caldigate.
'What wouldn't I give for a pint of bitter beer ?' said Shand.
'Or a bottle of Battleaxe between the three of us!' said Mick;--Battleaxe being the name for a certain brand of brandy.
'Not a drop till the month is over,' said Caldigate turning himself round in his blanket.

Then there were whisperings between the other two men, of which he could only hear the hum.
On the next morning at six Caldigate and Dick Shand were at the hole together.