CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.
DENHAM SHIVERS.
I wanted to dash off--not from fear, but to indulge in a hearty roar of laughter--for Denham's countenance at that moment wore the drollest expression I have ever seen upon the face of man.
"I--I--I beg your pardon, Colonel," he stammered at last.
"For backbiting me, sir," said the Colonel shortly.

"I could not help hearing your last sentence, for you raised your voice and forced it upon me.

Now, if you please, I am one of the--what ?" "I was--I was only telling Moray here, sir, that you were--er--er--very passionate, and that if--" "Passionate, am I ?" "Yes, sir," stammered Denham.

"No, no; I beg your pardon, sir.

I didn't mean to say that." "I presume you are saying what you consider to be the truth, Mr Denham," said the Colonel coldly.