"I want money," says Mr. Jinks.
"For what?"
"To buy a horse."
"A horse?"
Mr. Jinks nods.
"What do you want with a horse?"
"Revenge," replies Mr. Jinks.
Ralph begins to laugh.
"Oh, yes," he says, "we spoke of that; against Sallianna. I"ll a.s.sist you, my boy. The fact is, I have caught the infection of a friend"s sentiments on Sallianna the divine. I have a cousin who abominates her. I"ll a.s.sist you!"
"No; that affair is arranged," says Mr. Jinks, with gloomy pleasure; "that will give me no trouble. That young man Verty is the enemy I allude to. I want revenge."
And Mr. Jinks rattled his sword.
Ralph looked with a mischievous expression at his friend.
"But I say," he observed, "how would a horse come in there? Do you want to run a-tilt against Sir Verty, eh? That is characteristic of you, Jinks!"
"No," says Mr. Jinks, "I have other designs."
"What are they?"
"You are reliable!"
"Reliable! I should say I was! Come, make me your confidant."
Mr. Jinks complies with this request, and details his plans against Verty and Redbud"s happiness. He would ride to Apple Orchard, and win his rival"s sweetheart"s affections; then laugh "triumphantly with glee." That is Mr. Jinks" idea.
Ralph thinks it not feasible, and suggests a total abandonment of revengeful feelings toward Verty.
"Suppose I sent him a cartel, then," says Mr. Jinks, after a pause.
"A cartel?"
"Yes; something like this."
And taking a preparatory gulp of the rum, Mr. Jinks continues:
"Suppose I write these words to him: "A. Jinks, Esq., presents his compliments to ---- Verty, Esq., and requests to be informed at what hour Mr. Verty will attend in front of Bousch"s tavern, for the purpose of having himself exterminated and killed? How would that do?"
Ralph chokes down a laugh, and, pretending to regard Mr. Jinks with deep admiration, says:
"An excellent plan--very excellent."
"You think so?" says his companion, dubiously.
"Yes, yes; you should, however, be prepared for one thing."
"What is that?"
"Mr. Verty"s reply."
"What would that be, sir? He is not a rash young man, I believe?"
"No--just the contrary. His reply would be courteous and cool."
"Ah?"
"He would write under your letter, demanding at what hour you should kill him--"ten," or "twelve," or "four in the afternoon"--at which time he would come and proceed to bloodshed."
"Bloodshed?"
"Yes; he"s a real Indian devil, although he looks mild, my clear fellow. If you are going to send the cartel, you might as well do so at once."
"No--no--I will think of it," replies Mr. Jinks; "I will spare him a little longer. There is no necessity for hurry. A plenty of time!"
And Mr. Jinks clears his throat, and for the present abandons thoughts of revenge on Verty.
Ralph sees the change of sentiment, and laughs.
"Well," he says, "there is something else on your mind, Jinks, my boy; what is it? No more revenge?"
"Yes!"
"Against whom, you epitome of Italian hatred."
Mr. Jinks frowns, and says:
"Against O"Brallaghan!"
"No!" cries Ralph.
"Yes, sir."
"I, myself, hate that man!"
"Then we can a.s.sist each other."
"Yes--yes."
"We can make it nice, and good, and fine," says Mr. Jinks, smacking his lips over the rum, as if he was imbibing liquid vengeance, and was pleased with the flavor.