You can do what you like, old boy! Ned Ainslie's got no fight left in him.' I could see that the doubt was gaining.
'Will you oblige me with the story of your recent doings ?'he asked.

'I can't, guv'nor,' I said in a real beggar's whine.

'I've not had a bite to eat for two days.

Give me a mouthful of food, and then you'll hear God's truth.' I must have showed my hunger in my face, for he signalled to one of the men in the doorway.

A bit of cold pie was brought and a glass of beer, and I wolfed them down like a pig--or rather, like Ned Ainslie, for I was keeping up my character.