It put them out of their reckoning, quite, to find that, if they were to open fire at once, it would have to be in the presence of these two gentlemanly and rather imposing strangers.

However, they were too full of their mission to delay, and so the uncle began,-- "It will be as well, James, that I should state to you--" "Not a word now, till you've had some breakfast," interrupted the wary Jim.

"My poor dear aunt must be simply fagged to death.

Do take your bonnet off, and come and sit here in the easy-chair.

Let me make you some cocoa; I know the way you take it, exactly.