They appealed to me, as hotly as a couple of boys.

Knowing nothing whatever about the growing of roses, I steered a middle course--just as her Majesty's judges do, when the scales of justice bother them by hanging even to a hair.

"Gentlemen," I remarked, "there is much to be said on both sides." In the temporary lull produced by that impartial sentence, I laid my lady's written message on the table, under the eyes of Sergeant Cuff.
I had got by this time, as nearly as might be, to hate the Sergeant.

But truth compels me to acknowledge that, in respect of readiness of mind, he was a wonderful man.
In half a minute after he had read the message, he had looked back into his memory for Superintendent Seegrave's report; had picked out that part of it in which the Indians were concerned; and was ready with his answer.

A certain great traveller, who understood the Indians and their language, had figured in Mr.Seegrave's report, hadn't he?
Very well.
Did I know the gentleman's name and address?
Very well again.