'By the bye'-- and here he stopped and warmed his hands: then suddenly looked up--'who threw that stone to-day ?' Mr Dennis coughed and shook his head, as who should say, 'A mystery indeed!' Hugh sat and smoked in silence.
'It was well done!' said the secretary, warming his hands again.

'I should like to know that man.' 'Would you ?' said Dennis, after looking at his face to assure himself that he was serious.

'Would you like to know that man, Muster Gashford ?' 'I should indeed,' replied the secretary.
'Why then, Lord love you,' said the hangman, in his hoarest chuckle, as he pointed with his pipe to Hugh, 'there he sits.

That's the man.

My stars and halters, Muster Gashford,' he added in a whisper, as he drew his stool close to him and jogged him with his elbow, 'what a interesting blade he is! He wants as much holding in as a thorough-bred bulldog.