"Mr. Burgh," said Rupert, by no means pleased.
"Well, I am surprised," said the buccaneer, "if it ain't Ainsleigh."
"Mr. Ainsleigh," was Rupert's reply, for he disliked the man too much to tolerate this familiarity.
"Oh, shucks," retorted Burgh wiping his forehead, "'tisn't any use putting on frills with me, sir. I guess I'm as good a man as you, any day."
"Let us admit you are better," said Rupert coldly, "and cease conversation."
But this Mr. Burgh was not inclined to do. "I reckon this old tram won't stop at any station for half an hour," said he pulling out a long black cigar, "so I don't see why we should sit like dummies for thirty minutes. Come along, let's yarn. You think I'm a wrong un'. Well, I guess I'm no holy Bill if that's what you mean. But I surmise that I'm friendly enough with you, Ainsleigh."
"Our last interview was not of a friendly character."
"You bet. You laid me out proper, and gave it to me pretty free. I respect a man who knocks me down. I thought you'd curl up when faced, Ainsleigh, but I see you're a fighter. That being so, why I climb down. Not that I'm a coward--oh, no--not by a long chalk: but I know how to size up things."
"And how do you size them up in this case?"
"Well," said Clarence lighting up, "I guess you've got the bulge on me. I was sweet on your wife, but you aimed a bulls-eye, and I got left. That being so, I conclude to leave other man's goods alone."