Page:Marriott Watson--Galloping Dick.djvu/259

 think shame to live so maudlin as yourself, and you with the makings of a man in you!”

“I must apologise,” he says politely, “for my seeming discourtesy, for the feast is yours. And I have no doubt you are right as to the quality, but I fear me that my taste has been distorted by the stuff {SIC|}} off upon me by my cousin in France.”

“Maybe he is in the trade?” I inquired.

“Oh,” says he, smiling, “a good many hogs-heads pass through his fingers in the year.”

“Ah!” says I with a wink, “and I misdoubt if it pays a farthing to His Majesty.”

“You are right,” said he, with a laugh, “But in truth I have no grudge against His Majesty, so be that I pay nothing.”

“You say well,” says I. “He’s not a bad sort, Old Rowley, but a lazy chicken-spirited dog. ’Twould do him good were someone to fetch him a toe in the hinder-parts upon occasion.”

“Ah!” says he, contemplating my boots with some interest, and then meeting my eyes, “Is he worth it?” he asked smiling.