"Precisely!" murmured my uncle Jervas. "As you seemed likely to become, nephew. None the less, the document evinces something of your aunt's desire for your return, and it is easy to imagine her gratitude when I shall restore you to her arms—"
"Hold hard, Jervas!" exclaimed my uncle George, clutching my left arm.
"'Twas I found him!"
"But consider, my dear George," sighed my uncle Jervas, laying elegant hand upon my right shoulder, "I bear the brunt of her blame, as usual—"
"But damme, Jervas—"
"But pray reflect further, dear George; I am, alas, slightly your senior and, as such, claim the right—"
"But my dear uncles," I interrupted at this juncture, "pray remark that I have no intention of returning home for some time."
"Oh, indeed, nephew?" sighed my uncle Jervas, his slim hand tightening a little. "May one venture to ask why?"
"I know!" sighed uncle George. "Women, Jervas—feminine spells, poor lad!"
"For one thing," I answered patiently, "because I have decided to become a tinker for a while."
"Hum!" murmured my uncle Jervas. "A useful trade, but scarcely one I should have chosen for you—still—"