“Oh! has he?” said Jack, springing up and walking rapidly towards the hut.
Now it must be told here that, a few days before the events we are describing, Jack had given Rollo a new suit of clothes from the Company’s store, with a view to gain his regard by kindness, and attach him to the service, if possible. Rollo was clad in this suit at the time, and he evidently meant to carry it off.
Jack crushed back his anger as he came up, and said in a calm, deliberate voice, “What now, Rollo?”
“I’m going off,” said the man fiercely. “I’ve had enough of you.”
There was something supernaturally calm and bland in Jack’s manner, as he smiled and said—
“Indeed! I’m very glad to hear it. Do you go soon?”
“Ay, at once.”
“Good. You had better change your dress before going.”
“Eh?” exclaimed the man.
“Your clothes belong to the company; put them off!” said Jack. “Strip, you blackguard!” he shouted, suddenly bringing his stick within three inches of Rollo’s nose, “Strip, or I’ll break every bone in your carcase.”