"Well," said Hugo, philosophically, "he'd probably have met with a violent death anyway. This bareback riding is dangerous."
"So it is; I saw him thrown from his horse in the ring at Crampton."
"Indeed! Was he hurt?"
"Sprained his ankle—that was all. He had to retire from the ring for the season. Then I offered him an engagement to travel with me to the West."
"Indeed! Very kind of you!" said Hugo, indifferently. "Well, shall we go back to the house?"
"Go back to the house!" repeated Fitzgerald, surprised. "Why, we haven't transacted our business."
"Our business! Why, what business have I with you?"
"I want pay for my work," answered Fitzgerald sharply.
"Your work! Really, I don't remember to have employed you," said Hugo with languid indifference.