The man haw-hawed in a rough manner and said:
"Well, you are playing it nice."
"I do not understand your allusion, sir. It is very vulgar—yes, sir, very vulgar."
"Is it, indeed? Why, you rat, do you think I do not recognize you?"
"You certainly do not recognize me. I never saw you before in my life."
"He! he! ha! ha! that's great, my covie; yes, that's great. So you never saw me before? Well, well, I've seen you often enough. I was looking at your portrait only yesterday."
"You were looking at my portrait only yesterday?" repeated Oscar.
"Yes."
"Where on earth did you see my portrait?"
"In the rogues' gallery—number one hundred and three. Yes, yes, you rascal, I've run you down nicely; but see here, you and that girl appear to be enjoying yourselves and I don't wish to spoil your enjoyment. I am a gentleman, I am, and you can buy me off."