"A fellow does hate to break his knife.

An English captain gave that to my father five years ago.

It has six blades." Brimstone took the knife out of his pocket and examined it slowly, opening blade after blade with the air of a connoisseur.
"I say, youngster, it's a first-rate article.

You meant a swap, now; own up.

What did you mean to ask me for it, if I'd been in the humor ?" "There is only one thing I should like to ask of you," began Blair.
"Ha, ha! I knew you meant a swap," said Brimstone.