But what could Dobson do if he refused?
He dared not show his true hand.

Yet he might, if sufficiently irritated.

It became Dickson's immediate object to get the innkeeper to reveal himself by rousing his temper.

He did not stop to consider the policy of this course; he imperatively wanted things cleared up and the issue made plain.
"I'm sure I'm much obliged to you for thinking so much about my comfort," he said in a voice into which he hoped he had insinuated a sneer.

"But I'm bound to say you're awful suspicious folk about here.
You needn't be feared for your old policies.