CHAPTER XIV.
THE CONSPIRACY.
"Well, Charley, my pipe is out," said Tim Bunker, as he joined his late associate in the club.
"It was rather sudden," replied Charles, disconcerted by the meeting, for he had actually made up his mind to keep out of Tim's way.

"I didn't expect any such thing." "I did; I knew old Sedley meant to get rid of me." Tim always knew everything after it was done.

He was a very profound prophet, but he had sense enough to keep his predictions to himself.
"You did not say so," added Charles, who gave the Bunker credit for all the sagacity he claimed.
"It was no use; it would only have frightened you, and you are chickenish enough without any help.

But no matter, Charley; for my part, I am glad he turned me out.

He only saved me the trouble of getting out myself." "Did you really mean to leave ?" "To be sure I did." "What for ?" "Because I didn't like the company, to say nothing of being nosed round by Frank Sedley, Bill Bright, or whoever happened to be coxswain.