I hope you'll excuse my leaving you ?' 'Oh! I don't mind for myself,' said Neverbend, 'though, when men are together, it's as well for them to keep together.

But, Mr.
Tudor----' 'Well ?' said Alaric, who felt growing within him a determination to put down at once anything like interference with his private hours.
'Perhaps I ought not to mention it,' said Neverbend, 'but I do hope you'll not get among mining people.

Only think what our position here is.' 'What on earth do you mean ?' said Alaric.

'Do you think I shall be bribed over by either side because I choose to drink a glass of wine with a friend at another hotel ?' 'Bribed! No, I don't think you'll be bribed; but I think we should both keep ourselves absolutely free from all chance of being talked to on the subject, except before each other and before witnesses.

I would not drink brandy-and-water at the Blue Dragon, before this report be written, even if my brother were there.' 'Well, Mr.Neverbend, I am not so much afraid of myself.