This unguarded remark recalled Slivers to himself.
That's what I want to find out,' he replied, sulkily, going back to
his chair. 'Have some more whisky?'
'No, thanks,' answered Barty, going to the door, 'I'm late as it is
for my engagement; ta, ta, old chap, I hope you'll drop on the he or
she you're looking for; but you're quite wrong, Villiers has bolted
with the nugget, and that's a fact, sir,' and with an airy wave of
his hand Barty went out, leaving Slivers in anything but a pleasant
temper.
'Bah! you peacock,' cried this wicked old man, banging his wooden
leg against the table, 'you eye-glass idiot--you brainless puppy--
I'm wrong, am I? we'll see about that, you rag-shop.' This last in
allusion to Barty's picturesque garb. 'I've found out all I want
from you, and I'll track her down, and put her in gaol, and hang
her--hang her till she's as dead as a door nail.'
Having given vent to this pleasant sentiment, Slivers put on his
hat, and, taking his stick, walked out of his office, but not before
Billy saw his intention and had climbed up to his accustomed place
on the old man's shoulder. So Slivers stumped along the street, with
the cockatoo on his shoulder, looking like a depraved Robinson
Crusoe, and took his way to the Wattle Tree Hotel.
'If,' argued Slivers to himself, as he pegged bravely along, 'if
Villiers wanted to get rid of the nugget he'd have come to me, for
he knew I'd keep quiet and tell no tales.
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