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nydus/The Mystery of Edwin DroodPublic
Page 184 of 372
Table of Contents

XII

“Yer lie, I didn’t!” replies Deputy, in his one form of polite contradiction.

“He has been prowling near us ever since!”

“Yer lie, I haven’t,” returns Deputy. “I’d only jist come out for my ’elth when I see you two a-coming out of the Kinfreederel. If

I⁠—ket⁠—ches⁠—Im⁠—out⁠—ar⁠—ter⁠—ten!”

(with the usual rhythm and dance, though dodging behind Durdles), “it ain’t any fault, is it?”

“Take him home, then,” retorts Jasper, ferociously, though with a strong check upon himself, “and let my eyes be rid of the sight of you!”

Deputy, with another sharp whistle, at once expressing his relief, and his commencement of a milder stoning of Mr. Durdles, begins stoning that respectable gentleman home, as if he were a reluctant ox. Mr. Jasper goes to his gatehouse, brooding. And thus, as everything comes to an end, the unaccountable expedition comes to an end⁠—for the time.

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