It was DeRue Hannington, immaculate as usual, but terribly excited and mentally worked-up.

This same Percival DeRue Hannington had now become an established fact in Vernock. While he was looked upon as more or less of a fool in regard to money matters––with more money than brains––he had that trait about him which many well-bred Englishmen possess; he always commanded a certain amount of respect, and he declined to tolerate anything verging on loose familiarity.

“Say!” he was drawling, as he strode the saw-dusted floor, whacking his leggings with his riding crop, “what would you Johnnies do with a rotter that grossly maltreated your horse?”

“Stand him a drink,” came a voice.

“Lynch him,” suggested another.

“Push his daylights in!”

“Dip him in the lake!”

“Invite him up home and treat him to a boiled egg!”

“Forget it!”

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