“Ha!”
“An’ a man pitch his tent on a vile bog believing it fair earth ’twere a benefit to drag him from it, even though the handling be somewhat rough.”
“Oh!” said the Count amazed, opening his eyes wide, “you have seen that.”
“I have seen more than that,” said Peregrine.
“Yes?” queried the Count.
“I have seen that you,” said Peregrine watching him, “acted as subtly prompted, if not fairly told.”
The Count stroked his chin, half whimsical, half vexed. He was not wholly pleased to be named a tool in the matter, which he truly was.
“I think you have seen a good deal,” quoth he ruefully.
“Disillusionment clears a man’s eyesight,” said Peregrine shortly.
“Humph!” remarked the Count. “Where fare you now?” he demanded.