"I reckon it don't matter what I may be, or may not be, so long as you'm dressed i' ten minnits." The other dropped his hands, with a short laugh.
"I beg your pardon.

For aught I know you may have nothing to do with this infernal plot except to warn me against it." "Don't make any mistake.

'Twas I that set the press-gang upon 'ee," answered Zeb, in the same dull tones.
There was silence between them for half a minute, and then the stranger spoke, as if to himself-- "My God! Love has made this oaf a man!" He stood for a while, sucking at his under-lip, and regarding Zeb gloomily.

"May I ask why you have deliberately blown up this pretty mine at the eleventh hour ?" "I couldn't do it," Zeb groaned; "Lord knows 'twas not for love of you, but I couldn't." "Upon my word, you fascinate me.

People say that evil is more easily learnt than goodness; but that's great nonsense.