There was nothing for it now but for him to assume the _role_ of aggressor.

He would so much have preferred to be the aggrieved.
"Yes, Railsford," said he, rising from his chair and standing over his enemy.

"I dare you to say that you neither know nor suspect the person who assaulted me!" Railsford felt devoutly thankful he had kept his head.

He now dug his hands into his pockets, stretched himself, and replied,-- "You may very safely do that, Bickers." It was hard lines for poor Bickers, this.

He had worked so hard to get himself an adversary; and here was all his labour being lost! "You're paltering," snarled he.