Here at last." "Why did you come ?" "Why ?--ah, why indeed!" Having sighed out this ejaculation he seemed to grow absent, to forget that he was not alone.

A violent cough shook him into wakefulness again; he stared at Gammon with red eyes full of pain and fear, and said thickly: "Are you an honest man--you?
"Well, I hope so; try to be." "What's his name?
You know him, don't you ?" "Do you mean Greenacre ?" asked Gammon, feeling very uncomfortable, for the man before him looked like one who struggles for his last breath.
"Greenacre, yes.

What has he told you about me ?" Gammon answered with the simple truth; the situation alarmed him, and he would have nothing more to do with conspiracy in such a case.

He could not feel sure that his explanations were followed and understood; now and then the bloodshot eyes turned blankly to him as if in a drunken dream; but in the end he saw a look of satisfaction.
"You're an honest man, aren't you?
We used to know each other, you know when.

My wife likes you, doesn't she ?" "We've always been friends, of course," Gammon replied.
"Would you mind giving me the kettle ?" He mixed another glass of brandy, spilling a great deal in the process.