In this excerpt from Cormac McCarthy's "Suttree," the character Mr. Suttree faces an admonishment concerning his actions during curfew hours. He's reminded that he has strayed far from the expected behavior appropriate to his social status. Instead of adhering to societal norms, he chose to immerse himself in the company of undesirable individuals and engage in a lifestyle marked by recklessness and moral decay.

Suttree's response is a simple admission of guilt as he exclaims, "I was drunk." This highlights the sense of resignation and acceptance of his choices, which have led him to mingling with a diverse group of societal outcasts. The language used to describe his companions underscores the severity of his descent into a world of crime and debauchery.