It won't do, Professor, it won't do! I was there, remember. And lucky for you I was—or you'd be a wall-eyed mule at this very moment. [Exasperated by the Futvoyes' apparent astonishment.] Oh, it may suit you to forget it now—but you were all three—especially Sylvia—grateful enough to me then!

[Increased sensation.

Mrs. Futvoye.

Grateful to you? May I ask what for?

Pringle.

I suppose you won't deny that I was the only one who could tackle Ventimore's old Jinnee?

Mrs. Futvoye.

[In a tone of hopeless bewilderment.] Horace! Does he mean that pleasant elderly landlady of yours?

Pringle.