“My good man——” said Mr. Sanders.
This pacific form of address produced no more effect on Dr. O’Grady than Mr. Dick’s blunt denunciation did. Mr. Sanders was given no time to finish his remark.
“The second reason why you should is because it will be the worse for you if you don’t.”
“Do you mean to threaten us with violence?” said Mr. Dick.
“Patsy,” said Dr. O’Grady, “take off your coat, roll up your sleeve and show your arm. I may mention, gentlemen, that Patsy Devlin was a blacksmith by trade before he took to being a captive. He’s used to hammering.”
Mr. Dick and Mr. Sanders watched Patsy Devlin bare his arm, but they made no move towards the bed.
“Patsy,” said Dr. O’Grady, “roll up your other sleeve. If you want to fight, gentlemen, I’d recommend you to take off your coats.”
“I can’t fight,” said Mr. Sanders, “on account of my heart. It’s weak, and the doctor expressly forbade any form of excitement or violent exercise. If it wasn’t for that——”
He sat down on a corner of the bed.