Moreover, considering his mode of life, I hoped by waiting a very short while to be able to tell you that Captain Salt's career was ended by the halter.

You see, he was evidently not born to be drowned, and I drew the usual inference.

But Mr.Finch's news puts a very different complexion on the business.

Tristram being heir, as I understand, to some fifteen hundred pounds per annum--" "Mr.Finch," said the Captain calmly, stepping to the door and locking it, "have you, by any chance, the intention of seeking out my co-trustee ?" "H'm: I am bound, sir, to consider my duty as a professional man." "Let me entreat you also to reconsider it." The little attorney glanced over his shoulder at the closed door.
"Sir," he replied with dignity, "I perceive that I have been unfortunate enough to give you a wrong notion of my character.
Let me say that, in interpreting my duty, I am even less likely to be coerced by threats than by the strict letter of the law.

I will not be dragooned.