Inspiration now swells in my bosom, because--to tell you the plain truth, and descend a little in style--I am devilish relieved at the turn things have taken.

So, I dare say, are you yourself, Dudgeon, if you would only allow it.

And _a propos_, let me ask you a home question.

Between friends, have you ever fired that pistol ?' 'Why, yes, sir,' he replied.

'Twice--at hedgesparrows.' 'And you would have fired at me, you bloody-minded man ?' I cried.
'If you go to that, you seemed mighty reckless with your stick,' said Dudgeon.
'Did I indeed?
Well, well, 'tis all past history; ancient as King Pharamond--which is another French word, if you cared to accumulate more evidence,' says I.