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 better with ’em upon the road, or elsewhere, than thus, in a kind of obligation, and as it were under a bond of gratitude. And what made it worse, was that it had been no manners to fume and grow surly. But, in truth, she put me out.

For says she, archly, “O my dear Ryder, and ha’ you killed many in your business?” and when Miss leaned over with her ears open, “Faith, sis, I’ll swear ’tis a very wicked fellow.”

“Why, no,” says I foolishly, “no more than my share.”

“Ah, but,” says she, “I know you gentlemen. O you rogue!” And ere I could prick up my wits to retort on her, she gave a little scream, and putting her hands to her face, “O Captain Ryder,” she says, feigning to implore me, “an’ we meet, you will spare my jewels? ’Slidikins, my dear Ryder, promise me that.”

This set me shifting in my seat, but I was at a loss for words; and then she flew off again in her light-headed fashion. “Captain