“I’d just as soon be back with the gang,” continued Crellock, “as be trifled with in this way by a man who used to be one to say a thing and do it. Now he’s becoming a miserable, feeble driveller, afraid of every one who speaks to him.”
“So were you just now, when that Otway gave his orders.”
“Force of habit,” said Crellock, with a grim smile. “Anyhow, I’m not afraid of you, and if you have not strength of mind enough to carry out what I say, I shall do it without you.”
“No, no, Steve; you are so hasty,” said Hallam, in a feeble, whimpering tone.
“Hasty!”
“Well, as I keep telling you, there’s plenty of time.”
“And I keep telling you there is not. Look here, Hallam. I’m not blind. That miserable parson wants her.”
“Now you are getting ridiculous.”
“And this officer fellow will be making such way with her, if I don’t mind, that I shall have no chance.”
“You’re frightening yourself with bogies, Steve.”