"You say Smith's governor is a--" "No--it's false.

I was telling a lie!" I cried, in tones of misery which any ordinary mortal would have pitied.

"I don't know what he is.
I never heard of him.

Indeed, indeed, I was only speaking in fun." Thus wildly did I hope by a shield of lies to hide the secret which I had--by my manner more than my words--betrayed.
"I'm afraid, Batchelor," said Hawkesbury, with a grave but sweet smile, "you either are not telling quite the truth, or you are speaking in fun about a very serious matter." "Oh yes, you're right," I cried; "I've been telling lies; upon my honour I have." "Upon his honour he's been telling lies," said Daly.

"The fellow _will_ have his joke.