Only that the mosquitoes would have flayed him, he would have dispensed probably with these.

He had been quarreling with his father respecting a certain horse which he had sold, of the price of which the father demanded a share.

Jerry had unblushingly declared that he himself had "shaken" the horse--Anglice, had stolen him--twelve months since on Darnley Downs, and was therefore clearly entitled to the entire plunder.

The father had rejoined with animation that unless "half a quid"-- or ten shillings--were given him as his contribution to the keep of the animal, he would inform against his son to the squatter on the Darnley Downs, and had shown him that he knew the very run from which the horse had been taken.

Then the sons within had interfered from their beds, swearing that their father was the noisiest old "cuss" unhung, they having had their necessary slumbers disturbed.
At this moment the debate was interrupted by the appearance of a man outside the veranda.