Mahaffy having spoken his mind, preserved a stony silence.
The judge got up and replenished the camp-fire, which had burnt low, then squatting before it, he peered into the flames.
“You'll not deny, Solomon, that Miss Malroy exhibited a real affection for Hannibal?” he began.
“Now don't you try to borrow money of her, Price,” said Mahaffy, returning to the attack.
“Solomon—Solomon—how can you?”
“That'll be your next move. Now let her alone; let Hannibal have his luck as it comes to him.”
“You seem to forget, sir, that I still bear the name of gentleman!” said the judge.
Mahaffy gave way to acid merriment.
“Well, see that you are not tempted to forget that,” he observed.
“If I didn't know your sterling qualities, Solomon, and pay homage to 'em, I might be tempted to take offense,” said the judge.