“These savages practise the simple virtues of affection—they are barely civilised in America yet,” yawns Selwyn.
“They love their kindred, and they scalp their enemies,” simpers Mr. Walpole. “It's not Christian, but natural. Shouldn't you like to be present at a scalping-match, George, and see a fellow skinned alive?”
“A man's elder brother is his natural enemy,” says Mr. Selwyn, placidly ranging his money and counters before him.
“Torture is like broiled bones and pepper. You wouldn't relish simple hanging afterwards, George!” continues Horry.
“I'm hanged if there's any man in England who would like to see his elder brother alive,” says my lord.
“No, nor his father either, my lord!” cries Jack Morris.
“First time I ever knew you had one, Jack. Give me counters for five hundred.”
“I say, 'tis all mighty fine about dead brothers coming to life again,” continues Jack. “Who is to know that it wasn't a scheme arranged between these two fellows? Here comes a young fellow who calls himself the Fortunate Youth, who says he is a Virginian Prince and the deuce knows what, and who gets into our society——”
A great laugh ensues at Jack's phrase of “our society.”
“Who is to know that it wasn't a cross?” Jack continues. “The young one is to come first. He is to marry an heiress, and, when he has got her, up is to rise the elder brother! When did this elder brother show? Why, when the younger's scheme was blown, and all was up with him! Who shall tell me that the fellow hasn't been living in Seven Dials, or in a cellar dining off tripe and cow-heel until my younger gentleman was disposed of? Dammy, as gentlemen, I think we ought to take notice of it: and that this Mr. Warrington has been taking a most outrageous liberty with the whole club.”