“No, I don’t think I did.”
“Didn’t you? Well, you mark my word, we’ve some more of these misbegotten rooks flown into the neighbourhood, and it’ll behoove us to keep the salt ready for their tails.”
“Oh! did he look that sort?”
“That he did.”
“And it made you laugh, eh?”
For answer, all the little man’s features swelled to a ripe colour, and he seemed on the verge of an explosion. Tuke shook his head with a grin, repudiating responsibility in the matter, and they rode on a mile further without a word exchanged amongst them. Then suddenly Blythewood was rolling in his saddle, shrieking with laughter, and they all drew rein beside a little copse.
“What inspires this?” said Luvaine, amazed and haughty.
His baneful expression set the young man off again.
“I can’t help it!” he gasped. “I’m sorry, Luvaine—but, but——”
“Well, sir! if you’ll condescend to speak, perhaps we shall be quick to share in your merriment.”