He sat like a man amazed.

Then he heaved himself to his feet in a fury, and smashed down his pipestem on the wooden table, sending its fragments flying.
"Damn me!" he roared.

"Have I sat at table with a traitor ?" And he thrust at Richard with his open palm, lightly yet with sufficient force to throw Richard off his precarious balance and send him sprawling on the sanded floor.

Men rose from the tables about and approached them, some few amused, but the majority very grave.

Dodsley, the landlord, came hurrying to assist Richard to his feet.
"Mr.Westmacott," he whispered in the rash fool's ear, "you were best away." Richard stood up, leaning his full weight upon the arm the landlord had about his waist.