"Who said there was," said Laxton, who hated Jiddy as a parasite and a milksop. "What do you know about danger?"
"Nothing," replied Mr. Jiddy, who never took offence, being essentially milk and water in his nature, "but I've read a good deal about it."
"Sunday-school books, I suppose?" said Laxton with a sneer. "'Little Henry and his Bearer' is about your style, I think."
"I've read that book," observed Dolly with a gratified chuckle, "but it is rather a slow story isn't it?"
"Not quite so rapid as Zola," said Otterburn, who was beginning to find both Thambits and his friend a trifle tiresome. "By-the-way, Laxton, have you read the 'Arabian Knights'?"
"I have," said Dolly again, "in my schooldays!'
"Oh, bosh!" returned Laxton with supreme contempt. "We're not talking of that."
"Oh, no," chirruped Mr. Jiddy, delighted at knowing something, "it's the Arabian Knights with a 'K.'"
"What on earth are the Arabian Nights with a K?" demanded Thambits blankly, whereupon both Angus and Laxton burst out laughing at the bewildered look on his face.
"It's Gartney's book about Arabia," explained Angus, rising from the table and lighting a cigarette, his example being followed by his guests.