“Haven’t you yourself declared that the fellow has heaped provocations, insults, and affronts on you, or something to that effect? He has done the same by me. He is made of venomous insults and affronts, from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot. Are you so hopeful or so stupid, as not to know that he and the other will treat your application with contempt, and light their cigars with it?”

“I shouldn’t wonder if they did, by George!” said Riderhood, turning angry.

“If they did! They will. Let me ask you a question. I know something more than your name about you; I knew something about Gaffer Hexam. When did you last set eyes upon his daughter?”

“When did I last set eyes upon his daughter, t’otherest Governor?” repeated Mr. Riderhood, growing intentionally slower of comprehension as the other quickened in his speech.

“Yes. Not to speak to her. To see her⁠—anywhere?”