Chapter V: Preface: To the American Edition (5)

"Let's see where it broke," he said, turning his late quarry round so as to examine the belt. "By Jove! Just about the ring, and as clean as a whistle! Well, we'd better fix you up with a dry shirt before you go. I've got one I can spare you."

"Thank ye, guv'nor," said the duke. "I could do with a shirt."

Tommy disappeared into the house, returning a moment later with the garment and a bottle of whisky.

"Take this too," he said; "it'll keep the cold out."

I groped in my pocket and produced a sovereign.

"Here you are," I added, handing it to our guest. "I'll row you ashore."

We got back into the boat, the duke hugging his whisky and his shirt; and steering a course a little upstream, I pulled him over to the opposite bank. Tommy and Mortimer stood on the island waving us farewell.

When we reached our destination, I stood up and offered him my hand.

"Good-bye, old friend," I said. "Thank you for winning my bet."

Very slowly he withdrew a hand from his pocket, and with a sideways glance at the island opened it so that I could see its contents.

"I'd never 'ave done it, guv'nor," he said hoarsely, "if it 'adn't 'a' bin for these 'ere wire-nippers."

The Strange Adventure of Mr. Bates