I tell you what, Thames," he added, flinging himself carelessly into a chair, "I'd give my right hand,--and that's no light offer for a carpenter's 'prentice,--if that little minx were half as fond of me as she is of you." "That's not likely to be the case, if you go on in this way," replied Thames, sharply.
"Why, what the devil would you have had me do!--make myself scarce, eh?
You should have tipped me the wink." "No more of this," rejoined Thames, "or we shall quarrel." "Who cares if we do ?" retorted Sheppard, with a look of defiance.
"Jack," said the other, sternly; "don't provoke me further, or I'll give you a thrashing." "Two can play at that game, my blood," replied Sheppard, rising, and putting himself into a posture of defence.
"Take care of yourself, then," rejoined Thames, doubling his fists, and advancing towards him: "though my right arm's stiff, I can use it, as you'll find." Sheppard was no match for his opponent, for, though he possessed more science, he was deficient in weight and strength; and, after a short round, in which he had decidedly the worst of it, a well-directed hit on the _nob_ stretched him at full length on the floor.
"That'll teach you to keep a civil tongue in your head for the future," observed Thames, as he helped Jack to his feet.
"I didn't mean to give offence," replied Sheppard, sulkily.

"But, let me tell you, it's not a pleasant sight to see the girl one likes in the arms of another." "You want another drubbing, I perceive," said Thames, frowning.
"No, I don't.

Enough's as good as a feast of the dainties you provide.
I'll think no more about her.

Save us!" he cried, as his glance accidentally alighted on the drawing, which Winifred had dropped in her agitation.

"Is this _her_ work ?" "It is," answered Thames.