"Go out of my garden," repeated the marvelling Mr. Truefitt. "Go home and have some gruel and go to bed!"
Captain Sellers paid no heed. Still performing marvellous things with his feet, he ducked his head over one shoulder, feinted with his left at Mr. Truefitt's face, and struck with his right somewhere near the centre of his opponent's waistcoat. Mr. Truefitt, still gazing at him open-mouthed, retreated backward, and, just as the captain's parchment-like fist struck him a second time, tripped over a water-can that had been left in the path and fell heavily on his back in a flower-bed.
"Time!" cried Captain Sellers, breathlessly, and pulled out a big silver watch to consult, as Miss Willett came hurrying down the garden, followed by Mrs. Chinnery.
"Peter!" wailed Miss Willett, going on her knees and raising his head. "Oh, Peter!"
"Has he hurt you?" inquired Mrs. Chinnery, stooping.
"No; I'm a bit shaken," said Mr. Truefitt, crossly. "I fell over that bla—blessed water-can. Take that old marionette away. I'm afraid to touch him for fear he'll fall to pieces."
"Time!" panted Captain Sellers, stowing his watch away and resuming his prancing. "Come on! Lively with it!"
Miss Willett uttered a faint scream and thrust her hand out.
"Lor' bless the man!" cried Mrs. Chinnery, regarding the old gentleman's antics with much amazement "Go away! Go away at once!"