I thought perhaps I might assist you." "I nothing doubt you could," answered Mr.Green with a fresh leer, that contained this time something ironic.

"I nothing doubt it! But by your leave, I'll pursue my quest without your assistance." Mr.Caryll continued, nevertheless, to advance towards him, Mistress Hortensia remaining in the background, a quiet spectator, betraying nothing of the anxieties by which she was being racked.
"Ye're mighty curt this morning, Mr.Green," said Mr.Caryll, very airy.
"Ye're mighty curt, and ye're entirely wrong so to be.

You might find me a very useful friend." "I've found you so before," said Mr.Green sourly.
"Ye've a nice sense of humor," said Mr.Caryll, head on one side, contemplating the spy with admiration in his glance.
"And a nicer sense of a Jacobite," answered Mr.Green.
"He will have the last word, you perceive," said Mr.Caryll to Hortensia.
"Harkee, Mr.Caryll," quoth Mr.Green, quite grimly now.

"I'd ha' laid you by the heels a month or more ago, but for certain friends o' mine who have other ends to serve." "Sir, what you tell me shocks me.

It shakes the very foundations of my faith in human nature.