A Few Quick Ones (24 page)

Jas Westbury recovered his hat, which had been knocked off in a sou'-sou'-westerly direction, and straightened out the kinks. He put a hand to his head, and seemed surprised that it was still there.

"Coo!" he said. "That was a close call. My whole past life flashed before me."

"Tough luck," said Freddie sympathetically. "That must have been rotten."

Jas Waterbury brooded for a moment. He seemed to be thinking something out.

"So you've gone and saved my life again, cocky." He said at length. "Do you realize that if we were in China you would have to hand over all your property to me, give me all you've got, if you take my meaning?"

"Would I?"

"You certainly would. That's the law in China, when you save a man's life."

"What asses these Chinese are!"

"Not at all," said Jas Waterbury warmly. "I call it a very good rule. You can't expect to go about saving people's lives and not suffer for it. However, I won't be hard on you. Let's call it a tenner."

"Right," said Freddie. "After all,
noblesse oblige
doesn't it?"

"You betcher," said Jas Waterbury.

"Absolutely," said Freddie.