The leaders wagged their feet nervously; the others looked rather amused.
"No offense," resumed Abel.

"I don't mean he despises you in particular, but all bar-room bobtails." His voice thickened rapidly.
"Of all mean, mis-mis-rabble hounds, he thinks you are the dirt-est." Still no reply was made.

The honorable gentleman looked at his guests leeringly, but found no responsive glance.
"In vino veritas," whispered Condor to his neighbor Belch.

William Condor was always clean in linen and calm in manner.
"Don't be 'larmed, fel-fel-f'-low cit-zens! Lawrence Newt's no friend of mine.

I guess his G---- d---- pride 'll get a tumble some day; by G---- I do!" Abel added, with a fierce hiss.
The guests looked alarmed as they heard the last words.