Harry was growing quite as furious as Ashby. He now felt certain that Ashby had found it and had it in his possession. He considered Ashby's answers as palpable evasions of a direct question.
"Well, then," he said, "I say that if you still keep that parcel after I claim it, that you are keeping property that is not yours, and you know what that means!"
Ashby gave a bitter laugh.
"This as a hint that I am a thief," said he.
"And a pretty strong one, too, I rather think," said Harry. "Do not imagine that you have any claims to that package arising out of any previous relations to a certain young lady."
"A certain young lady!—a package! What do you mean? I neither know nor care. I only know that you and I must settle accounts with one another."
"By Jove, that's one sentiment in which I agree!"
"If I hadn't found you here, I might have only suspected; but now that I've found you, I do not merely believe, but know that you are a—"
"Confound you! if you begin your infernal abuse again, I'll blow your brains out! I haven't got your talent for scolding. If you want to settle accounts with me, come along like a man, and don't stand here jawing like a fishwife."
"By heavens! that will I—and here—"