'I'm sorry I can't offer you one,' said Gaston, affably, 'but I
hardly think you would enjoy it in your present damp condition. If I
might be permitted to suggest anything,' with a polite smile, 'a
bath and a change of clothes would be most suitable to you, and you
will find both at Ballarat. I also think,' said Vandeloup, with an
air of one who thinks deeply, 'that if you hurry you will catch the
next train, which will save you a rather long walk.'

Mr Villiers glared at his tormentor in speechless anger, and tried
to look dignified, but, covered as he was with mud, his effort was
not successful.

'Do you know who I am?' he said at length, in a blustering manner.

'Under some circumstances,' said M. Vandeloup, in a smooth voice, 'I
should have taken you for a mud bank, but as you both speak and
smile I presume you are a man of the lowest type; as you English
yourselves say--a blackguard.'

'I'll smash you!' growled Villiers, stepping forward.

'I wouldn't try if I were you,' retorted Vandeloup, with a
disparaging glance. 'I am young and strong, almost a total
abstainer; you, on the contrary, are old and flabby, with the
shaking nerves of an incurable drunkard. No, it would be hardly fair
for me to touch you.'

'You dare not lay a finger on me,' said Villiers, defiantly.