“Do you want the plain truth?”
“I want the words of an English gentleman,” said the American sharply.
“Then I must say that I feel sure he will decline.”
“Why?”
“You are a perfect stranger.”
“Can’t help that.”
“Well, I’ll be frank,” said Brace: “he would not like it because of a certain English feeling of exclusiveness.”
“Yes, that’s it, squire; and that’s where you Britishers go wrong. But look here: do I speak plain? I’ll pay a fair half of all it costs—straightforward dollars.”
“My brother would not be influenced by money. But there, take no notice of what I say. He will be down soon: ask him.”
“But I want you to back me up, squire.”