"No, sorr, I cannot."
"But it's a private matter."
"Bedad, thin, that takes me in all right, since I'm a private meself till promoted."
"Oh, very well! Only I didn't like to drag in a woman's name before a third person," explained the Dandy. "What I want to say, Nick, is this: I'm awfully sorry for all the trouble I've brought on you. It's not entirely my fault, the way women do pursue a fellow. But never mind all that," he hastened to add as the Bully began to growl ominously. "I want you to know that I intend to do the square thing. I'm going to marry Gelly."
"Eh?" cried Nick, unable to believe his ears. "You'll right my gal! Honest, Raish?"
"On my honor as a gentleman—that is, if she'll have me. Now, don't get angry, Nick, till I explain. Something has turned her against me of late. Suppose you write her a little note, advising her to do it."
"Advisin' her! I'll skin her if she kicks!" threatened Nick. "Here, boy," he turned to Barney, "get me quit of these bracelets while I write ter my darter."
"No, sorr, I wull not!"
"I tell ye it's my last words—good-by—to my darter."
"First or last, sure ye can dictate your autography."