Do you know, I believe it's a fact he's been in gaol, or something of the sort--try a little vinegar with it, Field- Marshal--capital thing for keeping down the fat.

Never saw such a temper, upon my word, did you, Crow?
Why, he was nearly going to eat _you_ up this very morning.

And the best of it is, he thinks he's the only fellow in the office who does a stroke of work.

Never mind, he's safe at home for a bit; but, my eye! won't he be astonished to find Merrett, Barnacle, and Company can get on without him!" I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable.

It was rank treason to sit by and listen to all this without putting in a word for my friend; and yet in this company I could not for the life of me make the venture.
Indeed, to my shame be it said, with the eyes of my companions upon me, and their laughter in my ears, I even faintly joined in the smile at poor Jack's expense.
"Is this pleasant chap a friend of yours ?" said the Field-Marshal.
"Yes," said I, rather hesitatingly, "we were at school together, you know." I despised myself heart and soul for my cowardice, and for me the rest of the meal passed with little enjoyment.
And when the cloth was cleared away fresh difficulties presented themselves.
"Are you a good hand at whist ?" asked Adam, as we stood in front of the fire.
"No," said I; "I don't play." "Don't you?
We'll give you a lesson, then." Now my bringing-up had been peculiar, as the reader knows.