"Oh, dash it! I've grown!" protested Bunny. "I'm as tall as you are anyway."
"Oh, you're long enough," chaffed Saltash. "But you're too damn slim! I should think Maud could get you through her wedding-ring if she tried."
"Shut up!" growled Bunny who was somewhat sensitive on the point of physical shortcomings. "I'm well enough, so what does it matter? Are you coming round to see Maud when this show is over?"
"Depends," grinned Saltash.
"What's it depend on?" Bunny linked an arm in his and drew him forward; they were friends of many years' standing.
Saltash looked at him with his odd eyes that always seemed to be speculating like a monkey's, as to how far his next jump would carry him. "Depends upon Jake of course. Your good brother-in-law doesn't always invite the wolf into the fold, mon cher."
"As if you needed an invitation!" ejaculated Bunny impatiently. "Well, I invite you anyway. I know Maud will be awfully disappointed if you don't come and tell her all about your adventure. We were talking about you only this morning."
"Really!" said Saltash. "Would it be rude to ask what you were saying?"
Bunny's thin face flushed. "You're welcome to know so far as I'm concerned," he said bluntly. "I always stick up for you, Charlie."
"Do you? Mais vraiment!" protested Saltash. "I am touched beyond words.
And what says Brother Jake to that?"