"My experience has invariably been this, Mr.
Mahony: people who suggest that kind of thing, and accuse others of it, are those who are accustomed to make use of such means themselves.

In this case, there may have been no goods at all--the thing may prove to have been a put-up job from beginning to end." But his hearer's start of surprise was too marked to be overlooked.
"Well, let us take the existence of the goods for granted.

But might they not, being partly of a perishable nature, have gone bad or otherwise got spoiled on the road, and not have been in a fit condition for you to receive at your end ?" This was credible; Mahony nodded his assent.

He also added, gratuitously, that he had before now been obliged to reclaim on casks of mouldy mess-pork.

At which Ocock ceased coddling his chin to point a straight forefinger at him, with a triumphant: "You see!"-- But Purdy who, sick and tired of the discussion, had withdrawn to the window to watch the rain zig-zag in runlets down the dusty panes, and hiss and spatter on the sill; Purdy puckered his lips to a sly and soundless whistle.
The interview at an end, Ocock mentioned, in his frigidly urbane way, that he had recently been informed there was an excellent opening for a firm of solicitors in Ballarat: could Mr.Mahony, as a resident, confirm the report?
Mahony regretted his ignorance, but spoke in praise of the Golden City and its assured future.--"This would be most welcome news to your father, sir.