Page:The Unspeakable Gentleman (IA unspeakablegent00marq).pdf/277

 His long speech seemed to have taken his breath, for he paused, grinning broadly.

"Huh!" he said finally. "Mr. Lawton shoot Mr. Jason. Shoot him with pistol off the table. The captain is happy."

But before Brutus could turn to go, my father was in the doorway, smoothing the bandage on his arm.

"Let us say relieved, Brutus," he answered smoothly. "It is dangerous ever to use superlatives."

Then he glanced from Mademoiselle to me, and his smile broadened.

"Very much relieved," he said, "and yet—and yet I still feel thirsty. The rum decanter, Brutus."