But come down and let me introduce you." "No, thank you.

I've had enough of him for the present." "But I have a very special reason for wishing to introduce you.

I think you will get some information from him that will interest you very much; and you needn't quarrel with a man for being of a cheerful disposition." "Cheerful be hanged!" I exclaimed.

"I don't call a man cheerful because he behaves like a gibbering idiot." To this Thorndyke made no reply but a broad and appreciative smile, and we descended to the lower floor.

As we entered the room, the stranger rose, and, glancing in an embarrassed way from one of us to the other, suddenly broke out into an undeniable snigger.