“Well, stranger, you arn't much distressed with patience, that's a fact,” said a strongly nasal accent, while the speaker gave a look of very fierce defiance at the visitor.
“Am I speaking to Colonel Quackinboss?” asked O'Shea, in some surprise.
“Well, sir, if it ain't him, it's some one in his skin, I'm thinkin'.”
“My visit was to Mr. Layton,” said the other, stiffly. “Is he at home?”
“Yes, sir; but he 's not a-goin' to see you.”
“I came here by his appointment.”
“That don't change matters a red cent, stranger; and as I said a'ready, he ain't a-goin' to see you.”
“Oh, then I 'm to understand that he has placed himself in your hands? You assume to act for him?” said O'Shea, stiffly.
“Well, if you like to take it from that platform, I 'll offer no objection,” said Quackinboss, gravely.
“Am I, or am I not, to regard you as a friend on this occasion?” said O'Shea, authoritatively.