'They're no good, I suppose.' 'They're no harm,' said Short.

'Depend upon that.

I tell you what--it's plain that the old man an't in his right mind--' 'If you haven't got anything newer than that to say,' growled Mr Codlin, glancing at the clock, 'you'd better let us fix our minds upon the supper, and not disturb us.' 'Here me out, won't you ?' retorted his friend.

'It's very plain to me, besides, that they're not used to this way of life.

Don't tell me that that handsome child has been in the habit of prowling about as she's done these last two or three days.