There--you see!--he is furious now, and I am quite helpless.

One more prod, another kick: now he is a mere lunatic! Stand behind me; I am quite helpless!" Mr.Romaine, I am asking myself as to the background or motive of this singular jest, and whether the name of it should not be called treachery ?' 'I can scarce wonder,' said he.

'In truth it has been a singular business, and we are very fortunate to be out of it so well.

Yet it was not treachery: no, no, Mr.Anne, it was not treachery; and if you will do me the favour to listen to me for the inside of a minute, I shall demonstrate the same to you beyond cavil.' He seemed to wake up to his ordinary briskness.

'You see the point ?' he began.