He made a stumbling rush across the room and when I interposed myself between the door and him he struck out at me with a blow as aimless and unharmful as a baby’s.
“If you don’t knock under at once,” I said, “I swear I’ll tie you up and keep you here for Duke’s next coming.”
He stood swaying before me a moment; then suddenly threw himself on the bed, yelping and sobbing like a hysterical school-girl.
“It’s too cruel!” he moaned. “You take advantage of your strength to bully me beyond all bearing. Why shouldn’t I have my share as well as you?”
“Never mind all that. Give me your address if you want anything at all.”
He lay some time longer yet; then fetched out a pencil and scrap of paper and sulkily scrawled what I asked for.
“Now”—I looked at my watch—“there’s a train back to town in half an hour. You’d best be starting.”
“Nice hospitality, upon my word. Supposing I stop the night?”
“You’re not going to stop the night, unless you wish to do so in the street.”
“I’ve a good mind to, you beast, and bring a crowd about the place.”