"I say so, sir," returned Mr. Tawnish, with his slow smile, "and should you care to hear it, I'll say so again, sir."
"On what grounds?" says Hammersley, frowning.
"On the grounds that mine is the prior claim to the sword of Sir Harry Raikes."
"Bah!" cries Raikes, with a short laugh, "give the count, Hammersley, and we will begin."
Mr. Tawnish closed and fobbed his snuff-box.
"I think not, sir," says he, very quietly.
"Mr. Tawnish," says Jack, "I have waited over a month to fight this gentleman."
"Sir John," says Tawnish, bowing, "your pardon, but I have waited even longer—"
"Whatever quarrel you may have with me, sir," Raikes broke in, "shall wait my time and pleasure."
"I think not," says Mr. Tawnish again, his smile more engaging and his blue eyes more dreamy than ever; "on the contrary, I have a reason here which I venture to hope will make you change your mind."