"Then we are agreed," said he, genially. "I too am a bachelor. And now that we are agreed on one thing, Captain, Mr—" He hesitated.
"Ryder," said I.
"Mr Ryder," said he, "let us be agreed all along the line. If I forego the penalty—"
"I will treat your worship to as damnable a fine supper and bottle as was ever served in England," I interrupted, "and we will drink to the turtles at Carshalton."
"Carshalton," he says reflectively. "I had an idea 'twas Carshalton, but your pistol was persuasive."
"Well, sir," said I, "here is Ewell, and in a tavern that I know we shall be hospitably received and used this foul night."
"Good," says he, preparing to alight as the chaise came to a stop, "and pray bear in mind, Mr Ryder, that I am penniless and homeless."
"Damme," said I, heartily, "ye're welcome to all that's mine, and that's not beggary; and, damme, while I can keep such company I envy not the turtle with his mate at Carshalton."
He was now in the road, and he turned. "Nor I, Ryder, nor I," he said pleasantly.