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diff --git a/11475-h/001.jpg b/11475-h/001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f003e6a --- /dev/null +++ b/11475-h/001.jpg diff --git a/11475-h/11475-h.htm b/11475-h/11475-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4f0788f --- /dev/null +++ b/11475-h/11475-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1205 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary version 0.11)" + name="generator"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + Deep Waters: THE CONVERT + by W.W. Jacobs. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7} + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 15%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; color:#A82C28} + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Convert, by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Convert + Deep Waters, Part 5. + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: March 6, 2004 [EBook #11475] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CONVERT *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="cover (95K)" src="cover.jpg" height="787" width="632" /> +</center> +<br><br><br><br> + + +<h1> + DEEP WATERS +</h1> +<center><h2> + By W.W. JACOBS +</h2></center> + +<br><br><br><br> +<center> +<img alt="title (39K)" src="title.jpg" height="617" width="488" /> +</center> +<br><br> + + +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="001 (37K)" src="001.jpg" height="670" width="480" /> +</center> +<br><br> + +<br><br><hr><br><br> + + + + + +<a name="2H_4_5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h1> + THE CONVERT +</h1> +<br /><br /> +<p> + Mr. Purnip took the arm of the new recruit and hung over him almost + tenderly as they walked along; Mr. Billing, with a look of conscious + virtue on his jolly face, listened with much satisfaction to his friend's + compliments. +</p> +<p> + "It's such an example," said the latter. "Now we've got you the others + will follow like sheep. You will be a bright lamp in the darkness." +</p> +<p> + "Wot's good enough for me ought to be good enough for them," said Mr. + Billing, modestly. "They'd better not let me catch—" +</p> +<p> + "H'sh! H'sh!" breathed Mr. Purnip, tilting his hat and wiping his bald, + benevolent head. +</p> +<p> + "I forgot," said the other, with something like a sigh. "No more + fighting; but suppose somebody hits me?" +</p> +<p> + "Turn the other cheek," replied Mr. Purnip. +</p> +<p> + "They won't hit that; and when they see you standing there smiling at + them—" +</p> +<p> + "After being hit?" interrupted Mr. Billing. +</p> +<p> + "After being hit," assented the other, "they'll be ashamed of themselves, + and it'll hurt them more than if you struck them." +</p> +<p> + "Let's 'ope so," said the convert; "but it don't sound reasonable. I can + hit a man pretty 'ard. Not that I'm bad-tempered, mind you; a bit quick, + p'r'aps. And, after all, a good smack in the jaw saves any amount of + argufying." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Purnip smiled, and, as they walked along, painted a glowing picture + of the influence to be wielded by a first-class fighting-man who refused + to fight. It was a rough neighbourhood, and he recognized with sorrow + that more respect was paid to a heavy fist than to a noble intellect or a + loving heart. +</p> +<p> + "And you combine them all," he said, patting his companion's arm. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing smiled. "You ought to know best," he said, modestly. +</p> +<p> + "You'll be surprised to find how easy it is," continued Mr. Purnip. "You + will go from strength to strength. Old habits will disappear, and you + will hardly know you have lost them. In a few months' time you will + probably be wondering what you could ever have seen in beer, for + example." +</p> +<p> + "I thought you said you didn't want me to give up beer?" said the other. +</p> +<p> + "We don't," said Mr. Purnip. "I mean that as you grow in stature you + will simply lose the taste for it." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing came to a sudden full stop. "D'ye mean I shall lose my + liking for a drop o' beer without being able to help myself?" he + demanded, in an anxious voice. +</p> +<p> + "Of course, it doesn't happen in every case," he said, hastily. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing's features relaxed. "Well, let's 'ope I shall be one of the + fortunate ones," he said, simply. "I can put up with a good deal, but + when it comes to beer——" +</p> +<p> + "We shall see," said the other, smiling. +</p> +<p> + "We don't want to interfere with anybody's comfort; we want to make them + happier, that's all. A little more kindness between man and man; a + little more consideration for each other; a little more brightness in + dull lives." +</p> +<p> + He paused at the corner of the street, and, with a hearty handshake, went + off. Mr. Billing, a prey to somewhat mixed emotions, continued on his + way home. The little knot of earnest men and women who had settled in + the district to spread light and culture had been angling for him for + some time. He wondered, as he walked, what particular bait it was that + had done the mischief. +</p> +<p> + "They've got me at last," he remarked, as he opened the house-door and + walked into his small kitchen. "I couldn't say 'no' to Mr. Purnip." +</p> +<p> + "Wish 'em joy," said Mrs. Billing, briefly. "Did you wipe your boots?" +</p> +<p> + Her husband turned without a word, and, retreating to the mat, executed a + prolonged double-shuffle. +</p> +<p> + "You needn't wear it out," said the surprised Mrs. Billing. +</p> +<p> + "We've got to make people 'appier," said her husband, seriously; "be + kinder to 'em, and brighten up their dull lives a bit. That's wot Mr. + Purnip says." +</p> +<p> + "You'll brighten 'em up all right," declared Mrs. Billing, with a sniff. + "I sha'n't forget last Tuesday week—no, not if I live to be a hundred. + You'd ha' brightened up the police-station if I 'adn't got you home just + in the nick of time." +</p> +<p> + Her husband, who was by this time busy under the scullery-tap, made no + reply. He came from it spluttering, and, seizing a small towel, stood in + the door-way burnishing his face and regarding his wife with a smile + which Mr. Purnip himself could not have surpassed. He sat down to + supper, and between bites explained in some detail the lines on which his + future life was to be run. As an earnest of good faith, he consented, + after a short struggle, to a slip of oil-cloth for the passage; a pair of + vases for the front room; and a new and somewhat expensive corn-cure for + Mrs. Billing. +</p> +<p> + "And let's 'ope you go on as you've begun," said that gratified lady. + "There's something in old Purnip after all. I've been worrying you for + months for that oilcloth. Are you going to help me wash up? Mr. Purnip + would." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing appeared not to hear, and, taking up his cap, strolled slowly + in the direction of the Blue Lion. It was a beautiful summer evening, + and his bosom swelled as he thought of the improvements that a little + brotherliness might effect in Elk Street. Engrossed in such ideas, it + almost hurt him to find that, as he entered one door of the Blue Lion, + two gentlemen, forgetting all about their beer, disappeared through the + other. +</p> +<p> + "Wot 'ave they run away like that for?" he demanded, looking round. + "I wouldn't hurt 'em." +</p> +<p> + "Depends on wot you call hurting, Joe," said a friend. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing shook his head. "They've no call to be afraid of me," he + said, gravely. "I wouldn't hurt a fly; I've got a new 'art." +</p> +<p> + "A new wot?" inquired his friend, staring. +</p> +<p> + "A new 'art," repeated the other. "I've given up fighting and swearing, + and drinking too much. I'm going to lead a new life and do all the good + I can; I'm going—" +</p> +<p> + "Glory! Glory!" ejaculated a long, thin youth, and, making a dash for + the door, disappeared. +</p> +<p> + "He'll know me better in time," said Mr. Billing. "Why, I wouldn't hurt + a fly. I want to do good to people; not to hurt 'em. I'll have a pint," + he added, turning to the bar. +</p> +<p> + "Not here you won't," said the landlord, eyeing him coldly. +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" demanded the astonished Mr. Billing. +</p> +<p> + "You've had all you ought to have already," was the reply. "And there's + one thing I'll swear to—you ain't had it 'ere." +</p> +<p> + "I haven't 'ad a drop pass my lips began the outraged Mr. Billing. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I know," said the other, wearily, as he shifted one or two glasses + and wiped the counter; "I've heard it all before, over and over again. + Mind you, I've been in this business thirty years, and if I don't know + when a man's had his whack, and a drop more, nobody does. You get off + 'ome and ask your missis to make you a nice cup o' good strong tea, and + then get up to bed and sleep it off." +</p> +<p> + "I dare say," said Mr. Billing, with cold dignity, as he paused at the + door—"I dare say I may give up beer altogether." +</p> +<p> + He stood outside pondering over the unforeseen difficulties attendant + upon his new career, moving a few inches to one side as Mr. Ricketts, a + foe of long standing, came towards the public-house, and, halting a yard + or two away, eyed him warily. +</p> +<p> + "Come along," said Mr. Billing, speaking somewhat loudly, for the benefit + of the men in the bar; "I sha'n't hurt you; my fighting days are over." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I dessay," replied the other, edging away. +</p> +<p> + "It's all right, Bill," said a mutual friend, through the half-open door; + "he's got a new 'art." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Ricketts looked perplexed. "'Art disease, d'ye mean?" he inquired, + hopefully. "Can't he fight no more?" +</p> +<p> + "A new 'art," said Mr. Billing. "It's as strong as ever it was, but it's + changed—brother." +</p> +<p> + "If you call me 'brother' agin I'll give you something for yourself, and + chance it," said Mr. Ricketts, ferociously. "I'm a pore man, but I've + got my pride." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing, with a smile charged with brotherly love, leaned his left + cheek towards him. "Hit it," he said, gently. +</p> +<p> + "Give it a smack and run, Bill," said the voice of a well-wisher inside. +</p> +<p> + "There'd be no need for 'im to run," said Mr. Billing. "I wouldn't hit + 'im back for anything. I should turn the other cheek." +</p> +<p> + "Whaffor?" inquired the amazed Mr. Ricketts. +</p> +<p> + "For another swipe," said Mr. Billing, radiantly. +</p> +<p> + In the fraction of a second he got the first, and reeled back staggering. + The onlookers from the bar came out hastily. Mr. Ricketts, somewhat + pale, stood his ground. +</p> +<p> + "You see, I don't hit you," said Mr. Billing, with a ghastly attempt at a + smile. +</p> +<p> + He stood rubbing his cheek gently, and, remembering Mr. Purnip's + statements, slowly, inch by inch, turned the other in the direction of + his adversary. The circuit was still incomplete when Mr. Ricketts, + balancing himself carefully, fetched it a smash that nearly burst it. + Mr. Billing, somewhat jarred by his contact with the pavement, rose + painfully and confronted him. +</p> +<p> + "I've only got two cheeks, mind," he said, slowly. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Ricketts sighed. "I wish you'd got a blinking dozen," he said, + wistfully. "Well, so long. Be good." +</p> +<p> + He walked into the Blue Lion absolutely free from that sense of shame + which Mr. Purnip had predicted, and, accepting a pint from an admirer, + boasted noisily of his exploit. Mr. Billing, suffering both mentally and + physically, walked slowly home to his astonished wife. +</p> +<p> + "P'r'aps he'll be ashamed of hisself when 'e comes to think it over," he + murmured, as Mrs. Billing, rendered almost perfect by practice, + administered first aid. +</p> +<p> + "I s'pect he's crying his eyes out," she said, with a sniff. "Tell me if + that 'urts." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing told her, then, suddenly remembering himself, issued an + expurgated edition. +</p> +<p> + "I'm sorry for the next man that 'its you," said his wife, as she drew + back and regarded her handiwork. +</p> +<p> + "'Well, you needn't be," said Mr. Billing, with dignity. "It would take + more than a couple o' props in the jaw to make me alter my mind when I've + made it up. You ought to know that by this time. Hurry up and finish. + I want you to go to the corner and fetch me a pot." +</p> +<p> + "What, ain't you going out agin?" demanded his astonished wife. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing shook his head. "Somebody else might want to give me one," + he said, resignedly, "and I've 'ad about all I want to-night." +</p> +<p> + His face was still painful next morning, but as he sat at breakfast in + the small kitchen he was able to refer to Mr. Ricketts in terms which + were an eloquent testimony to Mr. Purnip's teaching. Mrs. Billing, + unable to contain herself, wandered off into the front room with a + duster. +</p> +<p> + "Are you nearly ready to go?" she inquired, returning after a short + interval. +</p> +<p> + "Five minutes," said Mr. Billing, nodding. I'll just light my pipe and + then I'm off." +</p> +<p> + "'Cos there's two or three waiting outside for you," added his wife. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing rose. "Ho, is there?" he said, grimly, as he removed his + coat and proceeded to roll up his shirt-sleeves. "I'll learn 'em. I'll + give 'em something to wait for. I'll——" +</p> +<p> + His voice died away as he saw the triumph in his wife's face, and, + drawing down his sleeves again, he took up his coat and stood eyeing her + in genuine perplexity. +</p> +<p> + "Tell 'em I've gorn," he said, at last. +</p> +<p> + "And what about telling lies?" demanded his wife. "What would your Mr. + Purnip say to that?" +</p> +<p> + "You do as you're told," exclaimed the harassed Mr. Billing. "I'm not + going to tell 'em; it's you." +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Billing returned to the parlour, and, with Mr. Billing lurking in + the background, busied herself over a china flower-pot that stood in the + window, and turned an anxious eye upon three men waiting outside. After + a glance or two she went to the door. +</p> +<p> + "Did you want to see my husband?" she inquired. +</p> +<p> + The biggest of the three nodded. "Yus," he said, shortly. +</p> +<p> + "I'm sorry," said Mrs. Billing, "but he 'ad to go early this morning. + Was it anything partikler?" +</p> +<p> + "Gorn?" said the other, in disappointed tones. "Well, you tell 'im I'll + see 'im later on." +</p> +<p> + He turned away, and, followed by the other two, walked slowly up the + road. Mr. Billing, after waiting till the coast was clear, went off in + the other direction. +</p> +<p> + He sought counsel of his friend and mentor that afternoon, and stood + beaming with pride at the praise lavished upon him. Mr. Purnip's + co-workers were no less enthusiastic than their chief; and various + suggestions were made to Mr. Billing as to his behaviour in the unlikely + event of further attacks upon his noble person. +</p> +<p> + He tried to remember the suggestions in the harassing days that followed; + baiting Joe Billing becoming popular as a pastime from which no evil + results need be feared. It was creditable to his fellow-citizens that + most of them refrained from violence with a man who declined to hit back, + but as a butt his success was assured. The night when a gawky lad of + eighteen drank up his beer, and then invited him to step outside if he + didn't like it, dwelt long in his memory. And Elk Street thrilled one + evening at the sight of their erstwhile champion flying up the road hotly + pursued by a foeman half his size. His explanation to his indignant wife + that, having turned the other cheek the night before, he was in no mood + for further punishment, was received in chilling silence. +</p> +<p> + "They'll soon get tired of it," he said, hopefully; "and I ain't going to + be beat by a lot of chaps wot I could lick with one 'and tied behind me. + They'll get to understand in time; Mr. Purnip says so. It's a pity that + you don't try and do some good yourself." +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Billing received the suggestion with a sniff; but the seed was sown. + She thought the matter over in private, and came to the conclusion that, + if her husband wished her to participate in good works, it was not for + her to deny him. Hitherto her efforts in that direction had been + promptly suppressed; Mr. Billing's idea being that if a woman looked + after her home and her husband properly there should be neither time + nor desire for anything else. His surprise on arriving home to tea on + Saturday afternoon, and finding a couple of hard-working neighbours + devouring his substance, almost deprived him of speech. +</p> +<p> + "Poor things," said his wife, after the guests had gone; "they did enjoy + it. It's cheered 'em up wonderful. You and Mr. Purnip are quite right. + I can see that now. You can tell him that it was you what put it into my + 'art." +</p> +<p> + "Me? Why, I never dreamt o' such a thing," declared the surprised Mr. + Billing. "And there's other ways of doing good besides asking a pack of + old women in to tea." +</p> +<p> + "I know there is," said his wife. "All in good time," she added, with a + far-away look in her eyes. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing cleared his throat, but nothing came of it. He cleared it + again. +</p> +<p> + "I couldn't let you do all the good," said his wife, hastily. "It + wouldn't be fair. I must help." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing lit his pipe noisily, and then took it out into the back-yard + and sat down to think over the situation. The ungenerous idea that his + wife was making goodness serve her own ends was the first that occurred + to him. +</p> +<p> + His suspicions increased with time. Mrs. Billing's good works seemed to + be almost entirely connected with hospitality. True, she had entertained + Mr. Purnip and one of the ladies from the Settlement to tea, but that + only riveted his bonds more firmly. Other visitors included his sister- + in-law, for whom he had a great distaste, and some of the worst-behaved + children in the street. +</p> +<p> + "It's only high spirits," said Mrs. Billing; "all children are like that. + And I do it to help the mothers." +</p> +<p> + "And 'cos you like children," said her husband, preserving his good- + humour with an effort. +</p> +<p> + There was a touch of monotony about the new life, and the good deeds that + accompanied it, which, to a man of ardent temperament, was apt to pall. + And Elk Street, instead of giving him the credit which was his due, + preferred to ascribe the change in his behaviour to what they called + being "a bit barmy on the crumpet." +</p> +<p> + He came home one evening somewhat dejected, brightening up as he stood + in the passage and inhaled the ravishing odours from the kitchen. Mrs. + Billing, with a trace of nervousness somewhat unaccountable in view of + the excellent quality of the repast provided, poured him out a glass of + beer, and passed flattering comment upon his appearance. +</p> +<p> + "Wot's the game?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + "Game?" repeated his wife, in a trembling voice. "Nothing. 'Ow do you + find that steak-pudding? I thought of giving you one every Wednesday." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing put down his knife and fork and sat regarding her + thoughtfully. Then he pushed back his chair suddenly, and, a picture of + consternation and wrath, held up his hand for silence. +</p> +<p> + "W-w-wot is it?" he demanded. "A cat?" +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Billing made no reply, and her husband sprang to his feet as a long, + thin wailing sounded through the house. A note of temper crept into it + and strengthened it. +</p> +<p> + "Wot is it?" demanded Mr. Billing again. "It's—it's Mrs. Smith's + Charlie," stammered his wife. +</p> +<p> + "In—in my bedroom?" exclaimed her husband, in incredulous accents. + "Wot's it doing there?" +</p> +<p> + "I took it for the night," said his wife hurriedly. "Poor thing, what + with the others being ill she's 'ad a dreadful time, and she said if I'd + take Charlie for a few—for a night, she might be able to get some + sleep." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing choked. "And what about my sleep?" he shouted. "Chuck it + outside at once. D'ye hear me?" +</p> +<p> + His words fell on empty air, his wife having already sped upstairs to + pacify Master Smith by a rhythmical and monotonous thumping on the back. + Also she lifted up a thin and not particularly sweet voice and sang to + him. Mr. Billing, finishing his supper in indignant silence, told + himself grimly that he was "beginning to have enough of it." +</p> +<p> + He spent the evening at the Charlton Arms, and, returning late, went + slowly and heavily up to bed. In the light of a shaded candle he saw a + small, objectionable-looking infant fast asleep on two chairs by the side + of the bed. +</p> +<p> + "H'sh!" said his wife, in a thrilling whisper. "He's just gone off." +</p> +<p> + "D'ye mean I mustn't open my mouth in my own bedroom?" demanded the + indignant man, loudly. +</p> +<p> + "H'sh!" said his wife again. +</p> +<p> + It was too late. Master Smith, opening first one eye and then the other, + finished by opening his mouth. The noise was appalling. +</p> +<p> + "H'sh! H'sh!" repeated Mrs. Billing, as her husband began to add to the + noise. "Don't wake 'im right up." +</p> +<p> + "Right up?" repeated the astonished man. "Right up? Why, is he doing + this in 'is sleep?" +</p> +<p> + He subsided into silence, and, undressing with stealthy care, crept into + bed and lay there, marvelling at his self-control. He was a sound + sleeper, but six times at least he was awakened by Mrs. Billing slipping + out of bed—regardless of draughts to her liege lord—and marching up and + down the room with the visitor in her arms. He rose in the morning and + dressed in ominous silence. +</p> +<p> + "I 'ope he didn't disturb you," said his wife, anxiously. +</p> +<p> + "You've done it," replied Mr. Billing. "You've upset everything now. + Since I joined the Purnip lot everybody's took advantage of me; now I'm + going to get some of my own back. You wouldn't ha' dreamt of behaving + like this a few weeks ago." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Joe!" said his wife, entreatingly; "and everybody's been so happy!" +</p> +<p> + "Except me," retorted Joe Billing. "You come down and get my breakfast + ready. If I start early I shall catch Mr. Bill Ricketts on 'is way to + work. And mind, if I find that steam-orgin 'ere when I come 'ome + to-night you'll hear of it." +</p> +<p> + He left the house with head erect and the light of battle in his eyes, + and, meeting Mr. Ricketts at the corner, gave that justly aggrieved + gentleman the surprise of his life. Elk Street thrilled to the fact that + Mr. Billing had broken out again, and spoke darkly of what the evening + might bring forth. Curious eyes followed his progress as he returned + home from work, and a little later on the news was spread abroad that he + was out and paying off old scores with an ardour that nothing could + withstand. +</p> +<p> + "And wot about your change of 'art?" demanded one indignant matron, as + her husband reached home five seconds ahead of Mr. Billing and hid in the + scullery. +</p> +<p> + "It's changed agin," said Mr. Billing, simply. +</p> +<p> + He finished the evening in the Blue Lion, where he had one bar almost to + himself, and, avoiding his wife's reproachful glance when he arrived + home, procured some warm water and began to bathe his honourable scars. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Purnip 'as been round with another gentleman," said his wife. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing said, "Oh!" +</p> +<p> + "Very much upset they was, and 'ope you'll go and see them," she + continued. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing said "Oh!" again; and, after thinking the matter over, called + next day at the Settlement and explained his position. +</p> +<p> + "It's all right for gentlemen like you," he said civilly. "But a man. + like me can't call his soul 'is own—or even 'is bedroom. Everybody + takes advantage of 'im. Nobody ever gives you a punch, and, as for + putting babies in your bedroom, they wouldn't dream of it." +</p> +<p> + He left amid expressions of general regret, turning a deaf ear to all + suggestions about making another start, and went off exulting in his + freedom. +</p> +<p> + His one trouble was Mr. Purnip, that estimable gentleman, who seemed to + have a weird gift of meeting him at all sorts of times and places, never + making any allusion to his desertion, but showing quite clearly by his + manner that he still hoped for the return of the wanderer. It was + awkward for a man of sensitive disposition, and Mr. Billing, before + entering a street, got into the habit of peering round the corner first. +</p> +<p> + He pulled up suddenly one evening as he saw his tenacious friend, + accompanied by a lady-member, some little distance ahead. Then he sprang + forward with fists clenched as a passer-by, after scowling at Mr. Purnip, + leaned forward and deliberately blew a mouthful of smoke into the face of + his companion. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Billing stopped again and stood gaping with astonishment. The + aggressor was getting up from the pavement, while Mr. Purnip, in an + absolutely correct attitude, stood waiting for him. Mr. Billing in a + glow of delight edged forward, and, with a few other fortunates, stood by + watching one of the best fights that had ever been seen in the district. + Mr. Purnip's foot-work was excellent, and the way he timed his blows made + Mr. Billing's eyes moist with admiration. +</p> +<p> + It was over at last. The aggressor went limping off, and Mr. Purnip, + wiping his bald head, picked up his battered and dusty hat from the + roadway and brushed it on his sleeve. He turned with a start and a blush + to meet the delighted gaze of Mr. Billing. +</p> +<p> + "I'm ashamed of myself," he murmured, brokenly—"ashamed." +</p> +<p> + "Ashamed !" exclaimed the amazed Mr. Billing. "Why, a pro couldn't ha' + done better." +</p> +<p> + "Such an awful example," moaned the other. "All my good work here thrown + away." +</p> +<p> + "Don't you believe it, sir," said Mr. Billing, earnestly. "As soon as + this gets about you'll get more members than you want a'most. I'm coming + back, for one." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Purnip turned and grasped his hand. +</p> +<p> + "I understand things now," said Mr. Billing, nodding sagely. "Turning + the other cheek's all right so long as you don't do it always. If you + don't let 'em know whether you are going to turn the other cheek or knock + their blessed heads off, it's all right. 'Arf the trouble in the world + is caused by letting people know too much." +</p> + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Convert, by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CONVERT *** + +***** This file should be named 11475-h.htm or 11475-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/4/7/11475/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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