“O, go away—get out of it, Ducie! Isn’t one natural born ass enough for me to deal with? You fellows are guying the whole show!”
“Byfield!” I called up eagerly, “I’m not drunk. Reach me down the ladder, quick! A hundred guineas if you’ll take me with you!” I saw over the crowd, not ten deep behind me, the red head of the man in grey.
“That proves it,” said Byfield. “Go away; or at least keep quiet. I’m going to make a speech.” He cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen——”
I held up my packet of notes, “Here’s the money—for pity’s sake, man! There are bailiffs after me, in the crowd!”
“—the spectacle which you have honoured with your enlightened patronage—I tell you I can’t.” He cast a glance behind him into the car—“with your enlightened patronage, needs but few words of introduction or commendation.”
“Hear, hear!” from Dalmahoy.
“Your attendance proves the sincerity of your interest——”
I spread out the notes under his eyes. He blinked, but resolutely lifted his voice.
“The spectacle of a solitary voyager——”