It's ridiculous, considering his position--guardian to--to Miss Bewery, for instance--that he should allow such rumours to circulate.

By God, sir, if it had been me, I'd have stopped 'em!--before they left the parish pump!" "Ah ?" said Bryce.

"And--how ?" "Made an example of somebody," replied Sackville, with emphasis.

"I believe there's law in this country, isn't there ?--law against libel and slander, and that sort of thing, eh?
Oh, yes!" "Not been much time for that--yet," remarked Bryce.
"Piles of time," retorted Sackville, swinging his stick vigorously.

"No, sir, Ransford is an ass! However, if a man won't do things for himself, well, his friends must do something for him.