“He has all the world for an audience,” persisted Hal. “He plays the most stupendous farce—and he and all his actors wearing such solemn faces!”
“Mr. Cartwright,” said Edward, with dignity, “I trust you understand that I have done everything I can to restrain my brother.”
“Of course, Mr. Warner,” replied the superintendent. “And you must know that I, for my part, have done everything to show your brother consideration.”
“Again!” exclaimed Hal. “This actor is a genius!”
“Hal, if you have business with Mr. Cartwright—”
“He showed me consideration by sending his gunmen to seize me at night, drag me out of a cabin, and nearly twist the arm off me! Such humour never was!”
Cartwright attempted to speak—but looking at Edward, not at Hal. “At that time—”
“He showed me consideration by having me locked up in jail and fed on bread and water for two nights and a day! Can you beat that humour?”
“At that time I did not know—”
“By forging my name to a letter and having it circulated in the camp! Finally—most considerate of all—by telling a newspaper man that I had seduced a girl here!”