Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/106

76 sunk at once, and with the countenance of a wronged Cassius, he whimpered forth—

"Knock me down!—O leetle Paul, vot vicked vhids are those! Vot! Dummie Dunnaker as has dandled you on his knee mony's a time and oft: vy, the cove's art is as ard as junk, and as proud as a gardener's dog vith a nosegay tied to his tail." This pathetic remonstrance softened Paul's anger.

"Well, Dummie," said he, laughing, "I did not mean to hurt you, and there's an end of it; and I am very sorry for the Dame's ill conduct; and so I wish you a good morning."

"Vy, vere be you trotting to, leetle Paul?" said Dummie, grasping him by the tail of the coat.

"The deuce a bit I know," answered our hero; "but I think I shall drop a call on Long Ned."

"Avast there!" said Dummie, speaking under his breath; "if so be as you von't blab, I'll tell you a bit of a secret. I heered as ow Long Ned started for Hampshire this werry morning on a toby consarn!"

"Ha!" said Paul, "then hang me if I know