The Great One: he had become confused between his drink and the bird, under the overwhelming power of the Bridge.

-- Please, sir.

-- Eh! -- The big fellow coughed and sputtered. -- What, a bird, a bird?

-- Please, sir, begged the bird.

He sighed deeply, and stared off into space, thinking that he might have heard a snake singing far below.

-- Please, sir....

[gf]