“I am willing to exhibit my skill. If you will hold a cigarette in your teeth, I think I may be able to clip it close to your lips, without knocking out a single tooth, or drawing blood.”
“That would be very good; but would you yourself dare make such a test?”
“It is an easy thing for you to learn. All you have to do is to take a cigarette in your lips, and stand against that door yonder.”
“Thank you, but I am certain you will not urge me to arise after I have assured you that I am much tired, not having slept well for several nights.”
“As you like. It was for your pleasure I proposed giving the exhibition of my skill. Under any circumstances, you should not doubt my ability to hit a man across a table.”
“Let us talk of other things.”
“As you choose,” bowed Frank, feeling well satisfied by what had passed between them.
“It is needless to waste words,” said Bruant.
Merry lifted his eyebrows.
“You make the discovery after a great many have been wasted,” he smiled.