He had the appearance of a man fuddled with drink.

He heaved a sigh or two.
"Will you repeat that," he said at length, "and slowly ?" O'Toole repeated his remark, and the courier nodded at him.

"That's very strange," said he, solemnly, wagging his head.

"I do not dispute its truth, but it is most strange.

I will tell my wife of it." He turned in his chair, and a twinge from his bruises made him cry out.