She screamed, and made a feint of feeling mortally outraged.
Mahony had to dodge a box on the ears.
But Purdy burst into a horselaugh, and held his sides.

Without knowing why, Tilly joined in, and Jinny, too, was infected.

When Purdy could speak, he blurted out: "Dick, you fathead!--you jackass!--you've mugged the wrong one." At this clownish mirth, Mahony felt the blood boil up over ears and temples.

For an instant he stood irresolute.

Did he admit the blunder, his victim would be hurt.