“Once or twice Durfy broke the silence.
“‘I’m hungry,’ growled he, about two o’clock.
“‘So are we,’ said Waterford.
“‘Well, go and get something. I’m not going to be starved, I tell you. I’ll make you smart for it, both of you.’
“‘You’ve been told to shut up,’ said Waterford, rising to his feet with a glance towards the drawer where the cord was kept.
“Durfy was quiet after that for an hour or so. Then I suppose he must have overheard me saying something to Waterford about you, for he broke out with a vicious laugh,—
“‘Reginald! Yes, he’ll thank you for this. I’ll make it so hot for him—’
“‘Look here,’ said Waterford, ‘this is the last time you’re going to be cautioned, Durfy. If you open your mouth once more you’ll be gagged; mind that. I mean what I say.’
“This was quite enough for Durfy. He made no further attempt to speak, but curled himself up on the floor and turned his face to the wall, and disposed himself to all appearances to sleep. Whether he succeeded or not I can’t say. But towards morning he glowered round at us. Then he took out some tobacco and commenced chewing it, and finally turned his back on us again and continued dozing and chewing alternately till the eight o’clock bell rang and aroused us.
“Half an hour later Granville arrived, and a glance at our group was quite sufficient to acquaint him with the state of affairs.