"Look 'ere, 'Earty!" said Bindle calmly, "if you goes on like that, you'll be ill."
"I have been meaning to speak to you for some time past," continued Mr. Hearty, gaining courage. "Once and for all you must cease to interfere in my affairs, if we are to—to continue—er——"
"Brothers in the Lord," suggested Bindle.
"There is another thing, Joseph," proceeded Mr. Hearty. "I—I have more than a suspicion that you know something about those—that—the——" Mr. Hearty paused.
"Spit it out, 'Earty," said Bindle encouragingly. "There ain't no ladies present."
"If—if there are any more disturbances in—in my neighbourhood," continued Mr. Hearty, "I shall put the matter in the hands of the police. I—I have taken legal advice." As he uttered the last sentence Mr. Hearty looked at Bindle as if expecting him to quail under the implied threat.
"'Ave you really!" was Bindle's sole comment.
"I have a clue!" There was woolly triumph in Mr. Hearty's voice.
"You don't say so!" said Bindle with unruffled calm. "You better see the panel doctor, an' 'ave it taken out."
Mr. Hearty was disappointed at the effect of what he had hoped would prove a bombshell.