"All that in a word," sneered the captain, with a disagreeable look in his pale grey eyes.
"Yes. In a word to the wise."
"And suppose I am not wise?"
"It matters very little to me if you are wise or not," retorted George, who was not to be put down by sneers. "Lesbia is to marry me, so that is all about it."
Sargent glanced at Mr. Hale, who was quite unruffled. "I presume her father's wish counts for something?"
"Not when it conflicts with her happiness."
"What do you say, Hale?"
"I have said all that I intend to say. Walker knows my views."
"He does," broke in George, "and he does not subscribe to them. I give you warning that I intend to marry Lesbia. As to you, sir," he turned so fiercely on Sargent that the man gave back a step. "If you make Lesbia unhappy, or bother her in any way, I shall make myself very unpleasant."
"Dear me!" sneered the captain in feigned alarm. "What a terrible Turk!"