But there's another thing..." The lieutenant, with his back turned to us, exploded with an indescribable laugh and swung round to face us.

It was a laugh, the purport of which was direct and essential, and yet which one cannot exactly express.

As near as it said anything, verbally speaking, it said: "Well, if you must spoil it, you must.

But you don't know what you're spoiling." "There is another thing," continued Mr Montmorency weakly.

"Of course, if you don't want to be visited you'll paint the house green, but--" "Green!" shouted Keith.