"Then, Martin, pray give the fellow his money."
"Sir?"
"I mean the red-faced man in the dirty jacket, Martin," added
Barnabas.
The old groom hesitated, glanced from the Captain's scowling brow to the smiling lips of Barnabas.
"Very good, sir," said he, touching his shabby hat, and taking the money Barnabas held out, he tendered it to the Captain, who, redder of face than ever, took it, stared from it to Barnabas, and whistled.
"Now, damme!" he exclaimed, "damme, if I don't believe the fellow means to be offensive!"
"If so, sir, the desire would seem to be mutual!" returned Barnabas.
"Yes, b'gad! I really believe he means to be offensive!" repeated the Captain, nodding as he pocketed the money.
"Of that you are the best judge, sir," Barnabas retorted. Captain Slingsby whistled again, frowned, and tossing aside his whip, proceeded to button up his coat.
"Why then," said he, "we must trouble this offensive person to apologize or—or put 'em up, begad!"