THE FIFTH STRING
you say to a hot toddy? It will warm the cockles of your heart; come over to my house and I'll mix you the best drink in New York."
The younger thought the suggestion a good one and they turned toward the house of old Sanders.
It was a neat, red brick, two-story house, well in from the street, off the line of the more pretentious buildings on either side. As the old man opened the iron gate, the police officer on the beat passed; he peered into the faces of the men, and recognizing Sanders, said, "tough night, sir."
"Very," replied the addressed.
"All good old gentlemen should be in bed at this hour," said the officer, lifting one foot after the other in an effort to keep warm, and in so doing showing little terpsichorean grace.
"It's only the shank of the evening,
93
