The schemers are congratulating themselves on the success
of their corner on the booze market.

"'Well,' says I, 'it does look as if we would have to take up gastritis and golf or be measured for kilts in spite of ourselves. This little turn in bug juice is, verily, all to the Skibo. And I can stand it,' says I, 'I'd rather batten than bant any day.'

Batten means to suck blood like a vampire bat
"Bant" refers to a long forgotten fad of drastically
reducing intake of food.