"The money in the paper," said Mr. Russell, with a diabolical leer in the direction of the unfortunate Mr. Vickers. "The paper what your father found in your box. Didn't he tell you?"
He kicked over a chair which stood in his way and, with a reckless swagger, strode to the door. At the "Horse and Groom," where he spent the remainder of the evening, he was so original in his remarks upon women that two unmarried men offered to fight him, and were only appeased by hearing a full and true account of the circumstances responsible for so much bitterness.
[CHAPTER XVII]
TRIED!" said Captain Bowers, indignantly. "I have tried, over and over again, but it's no use."
"Have you tried the right way?" suggested Edward Tredgold.
"I've tried every way," replied Captain Bowers, impatiently.
"We must think of another, then," said the imperturbable Edward. "Have some more beef?" The captain passed his plate up. "You should have seen her when I said that I was coming to supper with you this evening," he said, impressively. Mr. Tredgold laid down the carving knife and fork. "What did she say?" he inquired, eagerly. "Grunted," said the captain. "Nonsense," said the other, sharply.
"I tell you she did," retorted the captain. "She didn't say a word; just grunted."
"I know what you mean," said Mr. Tredgold; "only you are not using the right word."
"All right," said the captain, resignedly; "I don't know a grunt when I hear it, then; that's all. She generally does grunt if I happen to mention your name."