? well, now, I'll tell you my resolution, which
is--there is the door--go out, and never let me see your face again."

"My dear father, as I am convinced this is only a little pleasantry on
your part, or perhaps a mere trial whether I am possessed of the spirit
and determination of a De Benyon, I shall, of course, please you by not
complying with your humorous request."

"Won't you, by G--d!" roared my father; then turning to his two native
servants, he spoke to them in Hindostanee. They immediately walked to the
door, threw it wide open, and then coming back to me, were about to take
me by the arms. I certainly felt my blood boil, but I recollected how
necessary it was to keep my temper. I rose from my chair, and advancing
to the side of the sofa, I said.

"My dear father, as I perceive that you do not require your crutches at
this moment, you will not perhaps object to my taking one. These foreign
scoundrels must not be permitted to insult _you_ through the person of
your only son."

"Turn him out," roared my father.

The natives advanced, but I whirled the crutch round my head, and in a
moment they were both prostrate. As soon as they gained their feet, I
attacked them again, until they made their escape out of the room; I
then shut the door and turned the key.

"Thank you, my dear sir," said I, returning the crutch to where it was
before. "Many thanks for thus permitting me to chastise the insolence
of these black scoundrels, whom I take it for granted, you will
immediately discharge;" and I again took my seat in the chair, bringing
it closer to him.

The rage of the general was now beyond all bounds; the white foam was
spluttered out of his mouth, as he in vain endeavoured to find words.
Once he actually rose from the sofa, to take the law in his own hands,
but the effort seriously injured his leg, and he threw himself down in
pain and disappointment.

"My dear father, I am afraid that, in your anxiety to help me, you have
hurt your leg again," said I, in a soothing voice.

"Sirrah, sirrah," exclaimed he at last; "if you think that this will do,
you are very much mistaken. You don't know me. You may turn out a couple
of cowardly blacks, but now I'll show you that I am not to be played
with. I discard you for ever--I disinherit--I disacknowledge you. You
may take your choice, either to quit this room, or be put into the hands
of the police."

"The police, my dear sir! What can the police do?"

"I may c