"Tush! Major Hewitt is a fool! Where did you get that, sir?"
Valentine hesitated.
"I ask you where you got that note, sir?"
"From Major Hewitt's own hand, Master Oswald," replied Valentine, at last.
"By ——! don't prevaricate with me, sir! Where did you see Major Hewitt, then? That is the question!"
Again Valentine was silent.
"What the demon do you mean, sir, by treating my questions with this contemptuous silence?" demanded Mr. Waring, angrily.
"Master Oswald!" began Valentine, seriously, impressively; "I will answer your question truly; but, first, let me beg you, let me pray you, by all your hopes of salvation, to listen to me favorably; for I swear to you by all my faith in Heaven, that it is the very last time I will make the appeal!"
"I am glad to hear it, you troublesome, confoundedly spoiled rascal! For it is the very last minute that I will bear to be trifled with!"
"I met Major Hewitt on the bridge——"