"The story dropped into my mind when I saw the old smithy again," said Bataki in an offhand manner.

I believe in the resurrection and the life everlastin' and the coming of the Angel Gabriel and the blowin' of that great horn, and Lawdy me, how am they evah goin' to find them folks on that great mawnin'?" It was too great a task for an offhand answer, and the suggestion was made that the aged one consult his minister.

" George Crofts said that perhaps it was the best thing he could do, and 'e asked 'im in a offhand sort o' way 'ow long the room was paid up for.

To the left sagged a tormented male victim of many ailments meticulously catalogued below, but in too fine print for offhand reading by one in a hurry.

But I have no objection," he added in an offhand tone, "as you seem to distrust the lasting power of bluff, to give you an extra safeguard.

However, Leonora observed that, without a doubt, her audience was interpreting her cordial offhand way with Rafael in the worst light possible.