“Then why don't you come over and get it? Do you expect me to break the rule by coming over on to your land to hand it to you?”
“I should n't call that trespassing don't you know,” began his lordship.
“Ah? Nevertheless, if you want this watch you 'll have to come over and get it.”
“By Jove, now, that's a demmed mean trick. I'm mounted. Beastly annoying. I say, would you mind tossing it up to me?”
“I wouldn't touch it for ten dollars. By the way, I'll just read this note of yours.” Lord Bazelhurst nervously watched him as he read; his heart lightened perceptibly as he saw a good-humoured smile struggle to the tall young man's face. It was, however, with some misgiving that he studied the broad shoulders and powerful frame of the erstwhile poacher. “Very good of you, I'm sure, to warn me.”
“Good of me? It was imperative, let me tell you, sir. No man can abuse my servants and trample all over my land and disturb my fish—”
“Excuse me, but I have n't time to listen to all that. The note's sufficient. You've been practising the running mount until it looks well nigh perfect to me, so I'll tell you what I 'll do. I'll step back thirty paces and then you come over and get the watch if you 're not afrain of me—and I promise—”
“Afrain? Demmit, sir, didn't I say I was Lord Bazelhurst? Of the Guards, sir, and the Seventy-first? Conf—”
“You come over and get the watch and then see if you can get back to the horse and mount before I get to the log. If I beat you there, you lose. How's that?”
“I decline to make a fool of myself. Either you will restore my watch to me, or I shall instantly go before the authorities and take out a warrant. I came to see you on business, sir, not folly. Lady Bazelhurst herself would have come had I been otherwise occupied, and I want to assure you of her contempt. You are a disgrace to her countrymen. If you ever put foot on our land I shall have you thrown into the river. Demmit, sir, it 's no laughing matter. My watch, sir.”