Good Books

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"Tombstones!" hissed the Old Un, scowling darkly and squaring his
trembling fists, "all right, me lad, 'ere 's where I ketch ye one as'll
flatten ye out till the day o' doom--"
Hereupon Joe caught him above the elbows, and lifting him in mighty
hands that yet were gentle, seated the snarling old fellow in the
armchair.
"Old Un," said he, shaking his finger, "if ye give me any more of
it--off t' bed I take ye without any tea at all!" The Old Un, cowering
beneath that portentous finger, swore plaintively and promptly subsided.
"And now," said Ravenslee, thrusting the money into Joe's reluctant
hand, "when I make a bargain, I generally keep it. I wish all my money
had been spent to such good purpose."
"What about me?" whined the old man humbly, "don't I get none, Joe-lad?"
"Not a cent, you old rasper!"
"Blimy, Guv, you won't forget a old cove as 'ud shed 'is best blood for
ye?"
"The Guv'nor don't want yer blood, old skin-and-bones. And now, come on,
sir--"
"Stay a minute, Joe, the Old Un generally keeps time for us when we spar
rounds.


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