His body had remained unyielding under it, but the spirit within writhed now in torment.
"You don't know?
Well, here's to quicken your wits." Again the cane descended.

"Have you thought of his name yet ?" "I have not." "Stubborn, eh ?" For a moment the Colonel leered.

Then his passion mastered him.

"'Swounds! You impudent dog! D'you trifle with me?
D'you think I'm to be mocked ?" Pitt shrugged, shifted sideways on his feet again, and settled into dogged silence.

Few things are more provocative; and Colonel Bishop's temper was never one that required much provocation.