_I have_." Hope tried to reason with him, tried to get round him.

But he was unassailable as Gibraltar, and soon cut the whole thing short by saying: "There, that's enough.

I am much obliged to you, sir, for bringing me information you think valuable.

You are travelling--on foot--short of funds perhaps.

Please accept this trifle, and--and--good-morning." He retreated at marching pace, and the hot blood burned his visitor's face.