"Where can he have been!" That exclamation changed the conversation from what was a terribly touchy point with Bigley, who always felt it acutely if anyone hinted that his father indulged in smuggling.
"I know," said Bob Chowne, changing his attack so that it was directed upon me.

"Well, if my father was so precious selfish as to get a boat and go out fishing without me, I should kick up a row." "Why, you are always making rows without," I said testily.

"My father has not been fishing, I'm sure." "There he goes again," cried Bob in an ill-used tone.

"That's Sep Duncan all over.

I say, Big, he was trying to pick a quarrel with me up on the cliff when you came, and I wouldn't.