Fisher minor, who signed this latter manifesto by proxy had hastened to carry the news of it to his brother.
“The cads!” said the junior. “We are sure to be beaten; I shall never dare to get Rollitt twice running.”
“What do you mean?” asked the elder brother, turning round.
“Oh, don’t tell,” said Fisher minor, “I didn’t mean to say anything; you see, I thought he wouldn’t fly out, so I asked him last time.”
“You! What do you know of Rollitt? Why should he play to oblige you?”
Fisher minor, wishing he had not mentioned Rollitt’s name, related, somewhat apologetically, the story of the adventure on the Shayle.
“Why,” said the elder brother, “you saved his life, young ’un. No wonder he’s civil to you!”
“Oh, please don’t tell him I told you.”
“All right; but what about the boat? It must have been smashed to bits. What did Mrs Wisdom say?”
“Oh, Rollitt was very honourable and bought her another. She told me so—and I’ve seen the new boat.”