"No, Tiller, not I: I was only saying that he wouldn't care to see me, so drop it."
"We can't"
"Can't," repeated Joe Basalt.
"Then listen to me," exclaimed Hunston, starting up with new energy; "if you tell a word about me to anyone it will be a breach of faith and I shall resent it."
"Resent! How?"
"Easily."
"Well, if you means threatening me. I may as well tell you I ain't afeared of no man, and when you gets round and pulls up your strength again, I shall be happy to have half an hour with you quiet and comfortable, and my pal, Jack Tiller, shall stand by and see fair play."
And honest Joe rolled up his shirt sleeves showing to the villain Hunston a pair of powerful and brawny arms.
"I don't mean that," said Hunston.
"But I do."