“I didn’t see it.”
“Why, I thought I saw you nod, sir.”
“I did not.”
“Well, I am sorry, sir.” Then it occurs to me that this reprimand gives a good chance to settle the jail matter at once. Feeling somewhat surprised at my own boldness, I assume a rather insolent air and remark, “But it makes very little difference; because I’ve decided that I’ll not work any more.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that the rattan has been very stiff and rotten, and my fingers are getting badly swollen and blistered. We have complained but it doesn’t seem to make any difference. The rattan is as bad as ever; and I shall not go on with it.”
“Do I understand that you refuse to work?”
“Well, that’s about the size of it.”
There is an instant’s pause. Then——
“Go and get your coat and cap.”