George smiled at this subtle flattery.
"I'd like to have a go at that hound," Gray said with emphasis. "He's been putting on airs a bit too much lately, and as you don't seem to be able to keep him under, you might hand over the responsibility to somebody else."
"I might," said George; "but it wouldn't be right. You ought not to ask me such a thing."
"Of course I ought not. I'd give a sovereign to know, all the same."
This tempting offer was lost upon the secretary, who busied himself with his work.
"I believe I'd venture two," said Gray, "just to get a smack at him. What do you say to that?"
"It'd be worth it," said George.
"Well, jot it down," said Gray, "and I'll hand you the cash. You needn't be afraid of my giving the game away to any one else."
"I wonder you can ask me to do such a thing for a paltry two pounds," said George. "Now, if you'd offered five——"
"I'll see you hanged before you get a fiver out of me," said Gray, rudely.