"No—just the contrary. His reply would be courteous and cool."
"Ah?"
"He would write under your letter, demanding at what hour you should kill him—'ten,' or 'twelve,' or 'four in the afternoon'—at which time he would come and proceed to bloodshed."
"Bloodshed?"
"Yes; he's a real Indian devil, although he looks mild, my clear fellow. If you are going to send the cartel, you might as well do so at once."
"No—no—I will think of it," replies Mr. Jinks; "I will spare him a little longer. There is no necessity for hurry. A plenty of time!"
And Mr. Jinks clears his throat, and for the present abandons thoughts of revenge on Verty.
Ralph sees the change of sentiment, and laughs.
"Well," he says, "there is something else on your mind, Jinks, my boy; what is it? No more revenge?"
"Yes!"