"It is now half after ten, Joseph—we ride at eleven."
"To London, sir?"
"Order the horses to the door at that hour, Object."
"Yes, sir. Pray, sir," said he humbly, head bowed and big hands twitching nervously, "regarding your promise of permitting me to—to—quit your service—pray when is it to be?"
"I don't know, Joseph, I can't say."
"Sir—sir—d'ye mean——"
"I mean that I don't feel I can endure to part with you, Joseph."
"You mean—you—won't?"
"You interest me, Joseph. Yes, you amuse me vastly, there is about you such infinite repression, Joseph, such latent ferocity. Yours is a nature of great and unexpected possibilities. Ferocity, duly in check, allures me, Joseph; so I shall continue to be your master and to—master you, Animal. Reach me my pistols."
Joseph crossed the room to where they lay beside the bed.