"I heard a good thing to-day," he continued with a change of tone.

"It seems that Sprink--" "Sprink!" muttered Malkarski with infinite contempt, "a rat, a pig! Why speak of him ?" "It is a good story," replied Portnoff with a laugh, "but not pleasant for Sprink to tell.

It appears he was negotiating with Mr.French, suggesting a partnership in the mine, but Mr.French kicked him out.

It was amusing to hear Sprink tell the tale with many oaths and curses.

He loves not French any more." "Bah!" said Malkarski, "the rest of the tale I heard.