I'll
write about it to-night. I don't think I have any debts to speak of,
for the Governor has been allowing me ?3,000 a year, at least that is
my share of the profits paid to me in return for my bullion-broking
labours, and except flowers, I have no expensive tastes. So the devil
take the past, here's to the future and whatever it may bring," and he
polished off the glass of port he held and laughed in his jolly
fashion.
Really he was a most attractive young man, a little reckless, it is
true, but then recklessness and youth mix well, like brandy and soda.
I echoed the toast and drank off my port, for I like a good glass of
wine when I can get it, as would anyone who has had to live for months
on rotten water, although I admit that agrees with me better than the
port.
"Now, Mr. Quatermain," he went on, "if you have done, light your pipe
and let's go into the other room and study that Cypripedium of yours.
I shan't sleep to-night unless I see it again first. Stop a bit,
though, we'll get hold of that old ass, Woodden, before he turns in.
Pages:
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88