He was beginning to discover that once more he had overdone his part, and that the ground was taken from under him.

But he made one last effort to recover himself.
"I say, Gilks," said he, half coaxing, half warning, "don't be a fool.
Don't ruin yourself.

I didn't mean to be offensive.

You know it's as much in your interest as mine.

If we can get hold of young Wyndham again--" "If you want him, get him yourself, I'm not going to do it," once more said Gilks, with pale face and clenched teeth.
Silk's manner changed once more.