"Besides, I
don't really see what pressing obligation I'm under to turn out at that
time for the poor pleasure of knocking you down."
"I never thought you were a coward."
"How charitable!"
"But we must bring you to book somehow. Will you fight--now?"
Before he had time to avoid the blow Phil had struck him lightly on the
face. For one half second a veritable devil peeped out of Acton's eyes
as he sprung at Phil. But Phil quickly backed, and said coolly, "No--no,
sir! Let us do the thing decently and in order. You can try to do all
you wish to-morrow morning very much at your ease. I apologize for
striking you in your own room, but necessity, you know----"
"Bourne, you'll regret that blow!"
"Never," said Phil, emphatically, and with cutting contempt. "I have
asked Carr to second me. I dare say Vercoe would do the same for you. He
has the merit of being a perfectly straightforward fellow, and since he
does not go home like the rest to-morrow----"
"Thanks. Vercoe will do excellently. He is a friend of yours, too!"
"I'm glad to say he is."
"Well, you may now be pretty certain there will be no foul play,
whatever else may follow. I'll teach you wisdom on your front teeth."
"I dare say," said Phil, as he coolly stalked out, and left Acton curled
up on his chair, like a cobra balancing for its stroke.
CHAPTER XXIV
A RENEWED FRIENDSHIP
One morning Gus was much astonished to receive a letter containing a
blank sheet of notepaper enfolding a postal order for L1.
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