And here she was joined by Colonel Starbottle.
The gallant colonel, notwithstanding that he bore the swelling port which usually distinguished him, that his coat was tightly buttoned and his boots tightly fitting, and that his cane, hooked over his arm, swung jauntily, was not entirely at his ease.

Mrs.Tretherick, however, vouchsafed him a gracious smile and a glance of her dangerous eyes; and the colonel, with an embarrassed cough and a slight strut, took his place at her side.
"The coast is clear," said the colonel, "and Tretherick is over at Dutch Flat on a spree.

There is no one in the house but a Chinaman; and you need fear no trouble from him.

I," he continued, with a slight inflation of the chest that imperiled the security of his button, "I will see that you are protected in the removal of your property." "I'm sure it's very kind of you, and so disinterested!" simpered the lady as they walked along.

"It's so pleasant to meet someone who has soul--someone to sympathize with in a community so hardened and heartless as this." And Mrs.Tretherick cast down her eyes, but not until they wrought their perfect and accepted work upon her companion.
"Yes, certainly, of course," said the colonel, glancing nervously up and down the street--"yes, certainly." Perceiving, however, that there was no one in sight or hearing, he proceeded at once to inform Mrs.
Tretherick that the great trouble of his life, in fact, had been the possession of too much soul.