“‘I would take a Schwostle.’
“‘Where’s the pull in that?’
“‘Oh, you’d soon learn the squeak.’
“It was clear now that Donnymore began to see some hidden meaning in Pegon’s apparently objectless remarks. He became more and more uneasy, and it was evident that he came to the conclusion that Pegon was giving him the office in a friendly way. He did not care much for Toko or Von Beest.
“Self-preservation was the first law with him, and he apprehended they were both wanted, whilst he was, through the Frenchman’s kindness, allowed to escape. Rising from his chair, in a careless way, he put on his hat.
“‘You are not going yet?’ asked Pegon, pretending to be surprised.
“‘Going! no, not till midnight. I’m game for a spree.’
“‘Where you off to, then?’
“‘Back in a minute.’
“When his associates heard this they disposed themselves quietly to await his return.