Went off to some colony or other, of course.

Common occurrence, father-in-law.

Bert, old sport, what say if we rise on our pins and have a hundred at billiards at the Stag and Hunter--good table there." Stoner followed his friend out of the little house, and once outside took him by the arm.
"Confound the billards, Dave, old man!" he said, almost trembling with suppressed excitement.

"Look here!--d'you know a real quiet corner in the Stag where we can have an hour's serious consultation.

You do ?--then come on, and I'll tell you the most wonderful story you ever heard since your ears were opened!" Myler, immediately impressed, led the way into a small and vacant parlour in the rear of a neighbouring hostelry, ordered refreshments, bade the girl who brought them to leave him and his friend alone, and took the liberty of locking the door on their privacy.