belligerent attitude, "every infernal thing that can happen to a man
happened to me yesterday. It wasn't enough that you robbed me and tried to
murder me--yes, you did, sir!--but when I was in the city I was robbed in
the subway by a pickpocket. A thief took my bill-book containing
invaluable data I had just received from my agent in China giving me a
clue to porcelains, sir, such as you never dreamed of! Some more of your
work--Don't you contradict me! You don't contradict me! Roger, he doesn't
contradict me!"

Wilton, choking with indignation at this new onslaught, was unable to
contradict him.

Pained by the situation, The Hopper rose from the floor and coughed
timidly.

"Shaver, go fetch yer chickies. Bring yer chickies in an' put 'em on th'
boat."

Billie obediently trotted off toward the kitchen and The Hopper turned his
back upon the Christmas tree, drew out the pocket-book and faced the
company.

"I beg yer pardon, gents, but mebbe this is th' book yer fightin' about.
Kind o' funny like! I picked ut up on th' local yistiddy afternoon. I wuz
goin' t' turn ut int' th' agint, but I clean fergot ut. I guess them
papers may be valible. I never touched none of 'em."

Talbot snatched the bill-book and hastily examined the contents. His brow
relaxed and he was grumbling something about a reward when Billie
reappeared, laboriously dragging two baskets.