n, dangerous when stirred, and there was no mistaking,
in his rigid, swarthy countenance, the state of his temper.

Dangerfield took an opportunity, and touched Nutter on the shoulder, and
told him frankly, in effect, though _he_ wished things to go on as
heretofore, Sturk had wormed himself into a sort of confidence with Lord
Castlemallard.

'Not confidence, Sir--_talk_, if you please,' said Nutter grimly.

'Well, into talk,' acquiesced Dangerfield; 'and by Jove, I've a hard
card to play, you see. His lordship will have me listen to Doctor
Sturk's talk, such as it is.'

'He has no talk in him, Sir, you mayn't get from any other impudent
dunderhead in the town,' answered Nutter.

'My dear Sir, understand me. I'm your friend,' and he placed his hand
amicably upon Nutter's arm; 'but Lord Castlemallard has, now and then, a
will of his own, I need not tell you; and somebody's been doing you an
ill turn with his lordship; and you're a gentleman, Mr. Nutter, and I
like you, and I'll be frank with you, knowing 'twill go no further.
Sturk wants the agency. You have _my_ good-will. _I_ don't see why he
should take it from you; but--but--you see his lordship takes odd
likings, and he won't always listen to reason.'

Nutter was so shocked and exasperated, that for a moment he felt
stunned, and put his hand toward his head.

'I think, Sir,' said Nutter, with a stern, deliberate oath, I'll write
to Lord Castlemallard this evening, and throw up his agency; and
challenge Sturk, and fight him in the morning.'

'You must not resign the agency, Sir; his lordship is whimsical; but you
have a friend at court. I've spoken in full confidence in your secrecy;
and should any words pass between you and Dr. Sturk, you'll not mention
my name; I rely, Sir, on your honour, as you may on my good-will;' and
Dangerfield shook hands with Nutter significantly, and called to Irons,
who was waiting to accompany him, and the two anglers walked away
together up the river.

Nutter was still possessed with his furious resolution to fling down his
office at Lord Castlemallard's feet, and to call Sturk into the lists of
mortal combat. One turn by himself as far as the turnpike, however, and
he gave up the first, and retained only the second resolve. Half-an-hour
more, and he had settled in his mind that there was no need to punish
the meddler that way: and so he resolved to bide his time--a short one.

In the meanwhile Dangerfield had reached one of