Come away, sir!" "Not so fast! Not so fast, ecod!" It was another voice that broke in upon them.

Rotherby started round.
Gaskell, in the shadows of the cowled fireplace jumped in sheer alarm.
All stared at the window whence the voice proceeded.
They beheld a plump, chubby-faced little man, astride the sill, a pistol displayed with ostentation in his hand.
Mr.Caryll was the only one with the presence of mind to welcome him.
"Ha!" said he, smiling engagingly.

"My little friend, the brewer of ale." "Let no one leave this room," said Mr.Green with a great dignity.

Then, with rather less dignity, he whistled shrilly through his fingers, and got down lightly into the room.
"Sir," blustered the earl, "this is an intrusion; an impertinence.

What do you want ?" "The papers this gentleman carries," said Mr.Green, indicating Caryll with the hand that held the pistol.