It was Collins who answered. "I rather fancy it is the young gentleman from Ivy Cottage," he said. He had recovered all his habitual composure; there was not a trace of emotion in his face or in his level voice.
"What?" Fountain stared down at Mark.
"Pal of yours, Collins?" inquired Corkran.
"Hardly, sir. I fear the young gentleman is, as you say, not entirely sober."
"You ought to cure yourself of this habit you've got of exaggerating," said Corkran. "Whom did he take a potshot at?"
"At me, sir, but I do not think that he is responsible for his actions."
"Whatever makes you think that?" inquired Corkran innocently. "
Fountain was still looking at Mark. "A gentleman, is he? You're quite right, Tony; he's drunk." He jerked Mark farther into the hall and pushed the door to with his free hand. He released the boy and stood frowning down at him. "Now look here, young man," he said, "what the hell do you mean by coming to my house and firing at my servant? Do you know I can have you put into prison for it?"
Mark was rubbing his bruised arm. "All right, put me in prison!" he said recklessly. "I'm not afraid! I'll make you sorry you dared to interfere with me. That's what I'll do!"
Fountain made a gesture of disgust; "I ought to give him in charge, of course, but he's far too drunk to knot- what he's doing."