"'I'm sure, Mr. Huggins, if the term is offensive'——
"'Offensive? Of course it is offensive. But as this is our first interview, I must not let my dander rise.'
"'Let it rise by all means, and stay as high as it likes. We may find a way of bringing it down again.'
"'No, no,' he answered, smiling; 'it would be unprofessional. Still, I must say that your sneaking, snivelling city way of speaking will not go down, and I have looked in to tell you that it must not be repeated.'
"'It shall not be repeated, Mr. Huggins. I shall never again make the mistake of calling you a gentleman.'
"He started up like a flash, and moved his hand to his breast-pocket.
"'What do mean by that?'
"I was just in time, as I sprang upon and seized him by both arms before he could draw his pistol.
"'I mean this,' I said; 'you've waked up the wrong passenger this time, Mr. Huggins. You needn't wriggle. I've been chucking people through the window all day, and you shall end the lot. But first I want that shooting-iron; it might go off by accident and hurt some one badly.'
"It was a long and mighty heavy contract, for he was as supple as an eel and as wicked as a cat. But I got the best holt at last, relieved him of his pistol, and tossed him through the window.