His mouth worked dubiously, and, from moment to moment, he plucked at his waistcoat and pulled it down, throwing back his head and glaring.
'I 've knocked that fellow over once,' he said.

'Wish he hadn't got up again.' Andrew nodded.
'One good thing, Nan.

He never boasted of our connection.

Much obliged to him.' 'Yes,' said Andrew, who was gladly watching Old Tom's change of mood with a quiescent aspect.
'Um!--must keep it quiet from his poor old mother.' Andrew again affirmatived his senior's remarks.

That his treatment of Old Tom was sound, he presently had proof of.