"Rheumatism!" laughed Ferris. "More likely it's rumatism, Tommy."
"Don't give me any o' yer jokes, Ferris. Wot brings yer?"
"I've got a letter for you."
"From Hardwick?"
Ferris nodded.
"I thought I would hear from him before long. Hand it over."
Ferris did so. Macklin tore open the epistle and began to peruse it hastily. As he did so Ferris tried to glance over his shoulder.
"Here! none o' dat!" cried Macklin, savagely. "Wot's my business is my business."
He finished reading the letter and put it in his coat pocket. Then he pulled away on his pipe for a moment.
"Well?" said Ferris, by way of inquiry.