about those gloves. You see, it enabled Glyn here to bring skill to
bear against a bigger and a stronger man, and er--um--you see, there are
other kinds of fighting that a man will have to go through in life; and
then when such things do happen, mind this--I mean it metaphorically,
you know--when you do have to fight with your fists, or with your
tongue, thrash your adversary if you can; but if he from superior skill
or strength thrashes you, why then, take it like a man, shake hands, and
bear no malice against the one who wins."

The Colonel blew his nose again.

"That's not quite what I wanted to say, my boys; but I shall think this
affair over a bit, and perhaps I shall have a few more words to say
by-and-by."

"Oh, I say, dad--" cried Glyn.

"What do you mean by that, sir?" said the Colonel sharply.

"Finish it all now, and don't bring it up again."

"Glyn!" cried the Colonel sternly.

"Yes, father."

"Don't you dictate to me, sir. I promised the Doctor that I would talk
to you both severely about this--this--well, piece of blackguardism,
ungentlemanly conduct, and I must keep my word. But I will reserve the
rest till after dinner."

"After dinner, father?" cried Glyn eagerly.

"Yes. I have come down to stay at Plymborough for a few days at the
hotel, and I have told them there that I should have two gentlemen to
dine with me to-night, of course, if the Doctor gives his consent."

"Oh, but look at us, sir!" cried Singh. "We are in the infirmary, and
not fit to come."

"Infirmary!" said the Colonel scornfully. "Ha, ha! You look infirm
both of you!"

"Oh, we don't feel much the matter, father," said Glyn; "but look at
us."

"Look at you, sir? How can I help looking at you? Yes, you do look
nice objects."

"But we can't help it now, sir," said Singh, "and we should like to
come."

"Humph! Yes, of course you'd like to come, my boy, and I want to have
you both to finish my lecture after I have thought it out a little more.
Well, look here, my lads; you are both bruised and--er--a bit
discoloured; but the world isn't obliged to know that it was done with
fists. You might have been thrown off your horses or been upset in a
carriage accident. Oh yes, it's no business of anybody else's. I shall
ask the Doctor to let you come."

"Oh, thank you, father!" cried Glyn eagerly. "But I say, dad, you
didn't shake hands with Singh when we came in."

"Well, no, boy; but--there, there, that's al