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"For a very good and sufficient reason, sir"

"Ha, a reason?" said Mr Chichester, lounging against the hly dra between father and son at a certain banquet, not so long ago,

was entirely contrived by myself--that it was my hand drove you from

society and hed Barnabas; "I guessed that much, sir"

"Indeed, I admire your perspicacity, Mr Barty And now, I presume

you have broken intohter, like you and your

estimable father, and I warn you that--"

"Sir," said Barnabas softly, "do not trouble to ring the bell, my

mission here is--not to thrash you"

"No? Gad, sir, but you're very forbearing, on my soul you are!" and

Mr Chichester sers closed upon the bell-rope "Now understanddriven you from London, I do not propose

to trouble myself further with you True, you have broken into my

house, and should very properly be shot like any other rascally thief

I have weapons close by, and servants within call, but you have

ceased to interest o, sir I give you one minute to take yourself back to

your native mud" As he ended, Mr Chichester motioned airily

towards the openBut Barnabas only sighed again and shook