You must have good lock-smiths hereabout, if that's a specimen of their work." The icy landlord thawed again.
"Well, Sir, the fact is, I made that key with my own hands." "You ?" cried Richard, in affected astonishment.

"Why, you must be a mechanical genius.

Look at the work! look at the wards!" and he scrutinized them admiringly close to the candle.

"Do take another glass, Mr.Trevethick." "Nay, Sir; I've a friend in the parlor waiting for me," rejoined the landlord, dryly.

He appeared already to regret having given way to that momentary feeling of self-esteem.
"I wish _I_ had," observed Richard, smiling.