a half to four
`` And according to my estimate you mix your drink somewhere about three and a half times to four stronger than I mix mine . '' `` Oh , come , come ! '' said the Major . `` Three and a half to four times , _ I _ should say , '' repeated Puffin . `` You wo n't find I 'm far out . '' He replenished his big tumbler , and instead of putting the bottle back on the table , absently deposited it on the floor on the far side of his chair . This second tumbler usually marked the most convivial period of the evening , for the first would have healed whatever unhappy discords had marred the harmony of the day , and , those being disposed of , they very contentedly talked through their hats about past prowesses , and took a rosy view of the youth and energy which still beat in their vigorous pulses .