They were encased in brown velveteens much the worse for wear, and in shape resembled a couple of sticks with a crook at the knees.
"I lost my sitiwation as gamekeeper to 'is Royal 'Ighness the Dook o' Duncy through bein' too 'onest," he went on with another wink.

"'Orful pertikler, the Dook was,--nobuddy was 'llowed to be 'onest wheer '_e_ was but 'imself! Lord love ye! It don't do to be straight an' square in this world!" Helmsley listened to this bantering talk, saying nothing.

He was pale, and sat very still, thus giving the impression of being too tired to notice what was going on around him.

Peke took up the conversation.
"Stow yer gab, Bill!" he said.

"When _you_ gits straight an' square, it'll be a round 'ole ye'll 'ave to drop into, mark my wurrd! An' no Dook o' Duncy 'ull pull ye out! This 'ere old friend o' mine don't unnerstand ye wi' yer fustian an' yer galligaskins.