This view seemed to strike Mr. Jinks, and clearing his throat:
"Hum—ah—well," he said, "the fact is, sir, my feeling is rather one of contempt than anger. But other things have occurred this morning to worry me."
"What?"
Jinks circumstantially detailed his interview with O'Brallaghan, adding the somewhat imaginary incident of the loss of O'Brallaghan's left ear by a sweep of his, Jinks', sword.
"What! you cut off his ear!" cried Ralph.
"Yes, sir," replied Mr. Jinks, "close to the caitiff's head!"
"Jinks! I admire you!"
"It was nothing—nothing, sir!"
"Yes it was. It equals the most splendid achievements of antiquity."
And Ralph chuckled.