Pray don't run such a risk, dear Mr. Pringle!

Pringle.

I shall be very careful, and I trust that, with ordinary tact——[He makes a step towards Fakrash.] Ahem! [Fakrash turns suddenly round with a feline snarl; all retreat to left; Pringle pulls himself together and tries again.] My—my dear sir, may I ask your attention for a few moments?

Fakrash.

[Striding towards him.] Who art thou?—a friend of yonder serpent's?

Horace.

[Indignantly.] Oh, I say! "Serpent," you know! "Serpent" is a bit——

[Fakrash ignores him.

Pringle.

No, no, I repudiate him. I represent this unfortunate family—they repudiate him too.