“For Heaven’s sake, Peter,” he whispered, “say you wrote the beastly thing; I’m ruined if you don’t.”
“Eh? But he’ll kick me out.”
“I’ll stand a pony.”
“Two,” said Peter firmly.
“Well, two; but be quick.”
Then Peter spoke up like a man, and accepted the blame of “To Lalage.”
“But your initials aren’t A. P.,” objected Mr. Pottles.
“To avoid suspicion, I reversed the order; mine are P. A.”
“James,” said Mr. Pottles to the footman, “pack Mr. Allison’s bag.”