"There's been strychnine put down in the Brake too," said Hampton.
"But not in cartloads," said the Master.
"I rather think," said Larry, "that Nickem knows where the
strychnine was bought. That'll make a clear case of it. Hanging
would be too good for such a scoundrel" This was said after the
third glass of champagne, but the opinion was one which was well
received by the whole company. After that the Senator's conduct was
discussed, and they all agreed that in the whole affair that was
the most marvellous circumstance. "They must be queer people over
there," said Larry.
"Brutes!" said Glomax. "They once tried a pack of hounds somewhere
in one of the States, but they never could run a yard."
There was a good deal of wine drank, which was not unusual at Lord
Rufford's dinners. Most of the company were seasoned vessels, and
none of them were much the worse for what they drank. But the
generous wine got to Larry's heart, and perhaps made his brain a
little soft. Lord Rufford remembering what had been said about the
young man's misery tried to console him by attention; and as the
evening wore on, and when the second cigars had been lit all round,
the two were seated together in confidential conversation at a
corner of the table: "Yes, my lord; I think I shall hook it," said
Larry. "Something has occurred that has made the place not quite so
comfortable to me; and as it is all my own I think I shall sell
it.
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