It would have been better to step forward even then.

Yet I cowered among his clothes until his own hand fell upon my collar, and forth I was dragged to the plain amazement of all three.
Santos was the first to find his voice.
"Another time you will perhaps think twice before you spik, friend squire." Rattray simply asked me what I had been doing in there, in a white flame of passion, and with such an oath that I embellished the truth for him in my turn.
"Trying to give you blackguards the slip," said I.
"Then it was you who let down the sheet ?" "Of course it was." "All right! I'm done with you," said he; "that settles it.

I make you an offer.

You won't accept it.

I do my best; you do your worst; but I'll be shot if you get another chance from me!" Brandy and the wine-glass stood where Rattray must have set them, on an oak stool beside the bed; as he spoke he crossed the room, filled the glass till the spirit dripped, and drained it at a gulp.