Posted by John Wilson on February 17, 2001 at 06:54:19 from 203.96.26.98:
“Lakeland Peasants” (to use Hugh Brogan’s phrase from CN) and their drinking habits are alluded to in both SA and PM.
Billy said “I put my foot through t’spokes Saturday night” (PM chapter 23 p 228), as Alan Lang (17 Jun) remarked. Well at least he (Billy) wasn’t driving! Later (PM chapter 24 page 241) Slater Bob says “I don’t mind a sup of beer” and Nancy explains to Dorothea (who sometimes needs such things explained) that “he means he jolly well likes it”. And the butcher’s van driver thinks of a 6d tip for a glass of beer (PM chapter 23 page 231).
In SA the Young Billy gives John a message for Captain Flint that “down in the pub at Bigland yonder” there is talk of what is in the houseboat (SA chapter 13 page 143). And John apologises for not being able to offer Sammy the policeman a bottle of beer after rowing to the island (SA chapter 24 page 259). Understandable, as Sammy still has to row to the foot of the lake, then back!