“Nothing can be fairer,” observed Mr. Ben Allen.

“Serve him so, sir!” reiterated Slurk, in a loud voice.

Mr. Pott darted a look of contempt, which might have withered an anchor.

“Serve him so, sir!” reiterated Slurk, in a louder voice than before.

“I will not, sir,” rejoined Pott.

“Oh, you won’t, won’t you, sir?” said Mr. Slurk, in a taunting manner; “you hear this, gentlemen! He won’t; not that he’s afraid⁠—, oh, no! he won’t . Ha! ha!”