A gleam came into the other's eyes. He smiled frostily.
"All who are worthy of the name," he said….
"But to return to our sheep. They have served me, these sanguinary gentlemen, so I can't stand by and see them hanged, when I can save em. And to put it shortly—I want that despatch-bag, please!"
He came forward like a child, hand outstretched, and smiling charmingly.
The Parson flung out a finger and volleyed laughter.
"And he thinks he's going to get it! Ask pretty; don't forget to say please; and he shall have everything he wants, he shall, he shall. There's a lambkin! there's a little lovey!" He leaned out again. "And what you going to give us for it?"
"Why, a free pass-out, with all the honours of war."
"Thank you for nothing. Seems to me I can have a free pass-out whenever I like. I've just free-passed out a man. And I'm only a minute or two back myself from a little stroll with a lady."
III
The Gentleman sauntered forward.