“ Well, old chap, ” said Cashel, boisterously, slapping him on the shoulder, “ so you ’ re alive yet. Is there any one in the dining-room? ”
“ No, ” said Bashville.
“ There ’ s a thick carpet there to fall soft on, ” said Cashel, pulling Bashville into the room. “ Come along. Now, show me that little trick of yours again. Come, don ’ t be afraid. Down with me. Take care you don ’ t knock my head against the fire-irons. ”
“ But —”
“ But be hanged. You were spry enough at it before. Come! ”
Bashville, after a moment ’ s hesitation, seized Cashel, who immediately became grave and attentive, and remained imperturbably so while Nashville expertly threw him. He sat for a moment thinking on the hearth-rug before he rose. “ I see, ” he said, then, getting up. “ Now, do it again. ”
“ But it m
